Predators Beat Capitals 2-1 (OT)

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

The Washington Capitals fell to the Nashville Predators 2-1 Thursday night at Verizon Center. The loss dropped the Capitals record to 45-17-8 (98 points). The Capitals next visit the Lightning in Tampa Saturday night at Amalie Arena. Puck drop is 7:00 p.m.

Braden Holtby got the start in goal for the Caps. Pekka Rinne got the start in goal for the Predators.

Kevin Shattenkirk returned to the lineup following his two-game suspension.

Andre Burakovsky missed his 15th consecutive game due to a hand injury.

Nate Schmidt and Taylor Chorney were the healthy scratches for the Caps.

QUICK NOTES:

The Capitals have scored first in 26 of their last 34 games (1/3-3/16) and are 37-7-4 this season when they score first.
Brett Connolly scored his career-high 15th goal of the season. Connolly has earned 21 points (15g, 6a) in 56 games this season and is four points shy of tying his career high in points (2015-16: 25).
Braden Holtby stopped 22 of 24 shots. He has allowed two goals or fewer in 36 of his 54 games this season and has posted a 20-3-3 record in his last 28 games (12/29-3/16).
Tonight’s attendance was 18,506, the Capitals’ 352nd consecutive sellout at Verizon Center.

FIRST PERIOD:
Brett Connolly would notch the games first goal at 11:41 of the opening frame. Jakub Vrana had the primary assist.

The opening period would conclude with the Capitals leading 1-0. The Caps outshot the Predators 9-4 for the opening frame.

SECOND PERIOD:
The Predators tied the game on a snipe by James Neal at the 18:56 mark of the middle frame.

The period would end with the game tied 1-1. The Predators outshot the Caps 13-5 for the middle frame, and led 17-14 through two periods of play.

THIRD PERIOD:
The third period would go scoreless, with the game tied 1-1 after regulation. Tom Wilson would provide the highlight for the final frame.