Sharks-Caps: San Jose Takes a Bite Out of Washington

The Washington Capitals were eaten alive by the San Jose Sharks, and ended up losing 7-2 in their third game in California this week. Tonight was the Caps' first trip to San Jose in three years and marks the 11th straight loss in the shark tank.

Caps faced the well-rested, Pacific Division-leading San Jose Sharks, who hadn't played since Monday. Road fatigue and injured players proved to be major factors in the Caps' sixth loss of the season at the sold out HP Pavilion.

Tom Poti and Tomas Fleischmann scored the two goals for the Capitals.

Sergi Federov was back in the lineup for the Caps after missing his seven straight, due to a sprained ankle. He eased back onto the ice, going only 3:47.

The Caps needed everyone healthy to have a chance against the Sharks, however, Alexander Semin missed his fourth consecutive game because of an undisclosed upper body injury and Mike Green missed his second game due to a shoulder injury sustained in Anaheim.

THREE STARS OF THE GAME

1. R. Blake - SJ (Goals: 0, Assists: 4)

2. R. Clowe - SJ (Goals: 2, Assists: 0)

3. M. Vlasic - SJ (Goals: 1, Assists: 1) ______________________________________________________

CAPS NOTES

Today marks the first anniversary of the Caps' hiring of coach Bruce Boudreau, who has transformed an underachieving club into one of the Eastern Conference's best.

Sunday, Nov. 23 is the 21st birthday of Nicklas Backstrom. ______________________________________________________

NEXT GAME: The Caps continue their road trip on Monday, Nov. 24 with the Minnesota Wild at 8:00 PM ET.