Capitals vs. Bruins: How the Game Was Lost

"Halfway through the third period against the Bruins, McAvoy scored to eliminate the one-goal lead the Caps had taken roughly seven minutes early. A few minutes later, Nikita Zadorov took a penalty, putting the Caps on the power play for the second time of the afternoon - the perfect time for the Caps to not only take the lead, but snatch the momentum back. They came up empty and the Bruins killed it off."

"But when it's been a pattern all season, when you're in this position largely because things like the power play have dried up and the even-strength offense isn't there to balance things out, it's gonna hurt. The Capitals have scored at least one power-play goal in just 27 of their 68 games played. They currently sit five points out of a playoff spot."

The Capitals lost to Boston in a game decided in a shootout, with Charlie McAvoy scoring twice and the team struggling in the shootout itself. However, the most significant issue was the power play's continued failure. Despite receiving multiple consecutive power-play opportunities in the third period, including chances after Nikita Zadorov and Hampus Lindholm penalties, the Capitals failed to capitalize. While the team generated some chances and Boston's penalty kill and goaltender Jeremy Swayman performed well, the power play's season-long struggles represent a pattern that directly contributes to the team's current position five points out of a playoff spot.

Read at Japers' Rink