Caps-Pens After Two Tied at One: Instant End of Period Analysis

Michael Neuvirth, making his career best fourth consecutive start, proved to be the correct choice, as Pittsburgh opened the second period with a penalty shot just 1:23 into the period.

Capitals defenseman Mike Green hooked the Penguins Egveni Malkin as he broke free towards Neuvirth.  Referee Francois St. Laurent called a penalty shot and Malkin would not be able to cash in. Going from his forehand to his backhand, Neuvirth played the puck stopping Malkin the entire way.

Just moments later Neuvirth would come up big again, stopping Sidney Crosby on a breakaway on what should have also been called a penalty. Crosby would voice his displeasure, but the Pittsburgh lead would stand at one.

Washington would fail to convert another power play chance when Alex Gologowski was called for hooking Brooks Laich. The Capitals would not have to wait long to get another shot, as Michael Rupp would also get the gate for hooking.

Just nine seconds into the penalty kill and in an attempt to kill the penalty the Penguins Matt Cooke would clear the puck the length of the ice and over the end boards forcing a delay of game penalty. The Capitals would get their second two-man advantage of the night for an entire 1:51.

The Penguins were able to kill off one, but not both, as Mike Green took a pass from Alexander Semin and wristed it over Marc-Andrea Fleury tying the game at one goal apiece.

The goal, the first for Green since November 14^th, was his sixth of the season. Alexander Semin’s assist was his first point since December sixth and only his fourth point in all of December.

The Capitals hold a distinct advantage in shots 25-12 and are one-for six on the power play, with eight minutes of extra man time.

Fleury is the difference maker for the Pens, as the Capitals continue to pepper him.

The Penguins were unable to convert a late tripping call against Alex Ovechkin and are 0-2 on the power play. The game is tied at one after two in non-stop action to this point.