Capitals Fall in Atlanta

The Washington Capitals rallied to overcome a two-goal deficit in the final period, but dropped a tough 3-2 game to the Atlanta Thrashers on Day 80. The setback snapped a three-game winning streak for Washington and dropped the club to 17-24-3.

Atlanta opened a 1-0 lead in the first period when Horton scored his 12th of the season from Mapletoft and Johansson at 12:22. The Thrashers outshot Washington 14-7 in the opening 20 minutes.

The home side continued to dominate in the second period, and Bayda's marker from Horton and Radulov at 9:51 made it 2-0.

The Capitals finally turned it on in the final period and outshot Atlanta 14-3. Mark Eaton made it 2-1 from David Vyborny and Artem Chubarov at 7:32, before Jonathan Cheechoo tied the gaem from Todd Warriner and Patrick Marleau at 9:25.

Washington pushed for the winning goal in overtime, but a pair of penalties 58 seconds apart gave Atlanta the edge it needed. Radulov converted from Bayda and Steeves on the power play at 2:26 to secure the victory.

Kevin Weekes made 27 saves in the loss and fell to 4-9. Ray Emery stopped 28 shots to earn the win.

The Capitals host Florida on Day 83.