Charlie Lindgren allowed three goals on 21 shots, the last by Jake Sanderson in overtime and the Washington Capitals lost a sixth consecutive game, a 3-2 defeat to the Ottawa Senators on Sunday night that's yet another blow to their playoff hopes late in the NHL season.
Connor McMichaelErik Brannstrom Washington Capitals center Connor McMichael (24) and Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Brannstrom (26) battle for the puck in the first period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, April 7, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
Alex OvechkinParker Kelly Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) passes the puck with Ottawa Senators left wing Parker Kelly (27) defending in the second period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, April 7, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
Drake BathersonMartin FehervaryJesse Marquis Ottawa Senators right wing Drake Batherson (19) and Washington Capitals defenseman Martin Fehervary (42) collide and send linesman Jesse Marquis, center, into the bench area in the second period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, April 7, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
Mark KastelicCharlie Lindgren Ottawa Senators center Mark Kastelic (12) watches his goal past Washington Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren (79) in the second period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, April 7, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
Charlie LindgrenMark Kastelic Washington Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren (79) blocks a shot with Ottawa Senators center Mark Kastelic (12) nearby in the second period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, April 7, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
Claude GirouxCharlie Lindgren Ottawa Senators right wing Claude Giroux (28) prepares to shoot with Washington Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren (79) defending in the second period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, April 7, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
Jake SandersonCharlie LindgrenConnor McMichael A goal by Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson (not shown) goes in past Washington Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren (79) and center Connor McMichael (24) in overtime of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, April 7, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
Jake Sanderson Teammates celebrate the winning goal by Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson (85) after an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals, Sunday, April 7, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
John Carlson Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson and his family pose for a photo during a ceremony to mark his playing in 1000 career NHL games before a hockey game against the Ottawa Senators, Sunday, April 7, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
Joonas Korpisalo
Hendrix Lapierre Ottawa Senators goaltender Joonas Korpisalo (70) knocks the puck away from Washington Capitals center Hendrix Lapierre (29) in the first period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, April 7, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
Max Pacioretty
Sonny Milano
Hendrix Lapierre Washington Capitals left wing Max Pacioretty, center, celebrates his goal with left wing Sonny Milano (15) and center Hendrix Lapierre (29) in the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Ottawa Senators, Sunday, April 7, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Charlie Lindgren allowed three goals on 21 shots, the last by Jake Sanderson in overtime, and the Washington Capitals lost a sixth consecutive game, a 3-2 defeat to the Ottawa Senators on Sunday night that’s yet another blow to their playoff hopes late in the NHL season.
The Capitals sit on the outside looking in with five games left to play, despite goals from Max Pacioretty and Aliaksei Protas. They’re tied with Pittsburgh and Philadelphia one point back of Detroit for the second and final wild card in the Eastern Conference and two behind the New York Islanders for third place in the Metropolitan Division.
“We just need to play better,” said defenseman John Carlson, who was celebrated before puck drop for reaching the 1,000 games milestone. “I don’t think we’re firing on all cylinders like we were there for a little bit. Too many turnovers, too many mistakes that we shouldn’t be making and giving teams more life than they deserve or need.”
Carlson and his teammates visit the Red Wings on Tuesday night in a game that could prove pivotal in the postseason chase, though losing to Ottawa already put Washington in a difficult spot.
This one fell apart similarly to Friday, when the Caps allowed the go-ahead goal to Carolina with 1:51 left in regulation. This time, Ridley Greig scored with 7:17 left in regulation and Sanderson got the winner 41 seconds into 3-on-3 OT.
“Obviously, it’s frustrating,” center Hendrix Lapierre said. “You want to win at this time of the year, especially. A couple overtime games, a couple games where you let the goal in the last couple minutes. It’s just been a little tough, but we’ll put our head down, keep working.”
In addition to losing the game, they also lost defenseman Rasmus Sandin to what the team called an upper-body injury. His head hit a stanchion after getting bumped on his final shift, and coach Spencer Carbery said Sandin will miss some time.
“It’s not ideal,” Carlson said. “He’s a big part of our team, and you never want to see that, too, from everybody. It’s a blow to us, but we don’t have time to sit here and feel sorry for ourselves. We’ve got to win out and hope for the best.”
Mark Kastlic also scored and Joonas Korpisalo made 19 saves in net for the Senators, who ended their three-game skid.
“It wasn’t easy,” Greig said. “The boys stuck with it all the way. Good to see us battle back and put together a full 65 minutes there.”
UP NEXT
Senators: Make their second stop on a three-game road trip Tuesday night at the Florida Panthers.
Capitals: Expect Lindgren to start for a 12th time in 13 games at the Red Wings in another chance for each team to boost its playoff chances.
