Junior Capitals Collapse Against Nashville

Needing a win to stay in the hunt for the playoffs, the Washington Junior Capitals fell flat in a 5-1 loss to the Nashville Junior Predators on Day 159. The setback drops Washington to 32-35-12 and six points out of the playoffs. While still mathematically alive, it would take a miracle of biblical proportions for the Caps to make the post season.

Nashville came out flying in the opening period and opened a 3-1 lead after 20 minutes. Dwyer got the first goal from Ellison at 10:49 before McCutcheon made it 2-0 from Upshall and Briske at 14:26. Washington pulled a goal back through Lance Moynch at 17:35. The goal, Moynch's 20th of the season, was assisted by Igor Shadulov and Zbynek Novak. The Predators responded quickly, however, and Altarev netted from Bartschi and Lucky just 30 seconds later to extend the lead to two goals.

Washington upped the tempo in the middle stanza, but it was the Predators that found the back of the net. Upshall made it 4-1 with a power play tally from Lavrentiev and Valcak at 6:08, before Bartschi completed the rout from Altarev and Upshall at 19:41.

Robert Muller made just 14 saves in the loss and fell to 7-2-3. Brad Topping stopped 10 shots in relief. Peter Hamerlik made 28 saves to earn the win and improve to 13-11-4.

The Junior Capitals are off for two days before visitin Nashville on Day 162.