Pittsburgh Pounds Junior Capitals

The Washington Junior Capitals saw their two-game winning streak snapped on Day 79 in a 5-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Junior Penguins. Washington falls to 16-19-3 after the loss.

Pittsburgh came out flying in the first period and recorded 19 shots in the 20 minutes. Helfenstein made the strong play count when he scored on the power play from Fata and Fritsche at 10:06. Matt Maglione was in the penalty box for unsportsmanlike conduct at the time of the goal.

Washington bounced back in the second period to tie the game at 7:45 when Patrick O'Sullivan scored his 11th of the year from Sean Bergenheim and Maglione. After the goal, it was all Pittsburgh as the Penguins scored three times in the last 9:54 to take complete control. Fritsche got the first at 10:06, before Brown made it 3-1 from Helfenstein and Gervais at 15:36. Hamilton then extended the lead to three goals with his 10th of the season from Sauer and McRae at 18:09.

The Penguins continued their strong play in the final period, and Tunik made it 5-1 from McRae and Sauer at 12:40. Bergenheim pulled a goal back from Lance Moynch at 14:27, but it was nothing more than a consolation for the Washington fans.

Daniel Taylor made 35 saves in the loss. Brad Topping stopped four shots in relief. Brian Finley recorded 27 saves in the win for Pittsburgh.

The Junior Capitals return to action on Day 78 against Boston.