Caps Collapse in Tie With Predators

The Washington Capitals gave up three goals in the final period on Day 111 to blow a 5-2 lead and earn a point in a 5-5 tie against the Nashville Predators. The result extended Washington's unbeaten run to eight games and moved the club to 23-28-9.

Jonathan Cheechoo struck first for Washington with a power play goal from Cory Sarich and Todd Warriner at 16:57 of the opening period. Nashville came right back and tied the game on the man advantage 1:07 later. Arnason got the goal from Sturm and Pothier.

The Capitals came out quickly in the second period and scored three times to open a 4-1 lead. Nik Antropov started the surge from Oleg Saprykin and Peter Tenkrat at 2:49. Dan Boyle netted from Joffrey Lupul at 6:16, and Severin Blindenbacher converted from Saprykin and Antropov at 11:43 to finish the run. Sturm pulled a goal back for the Predators from Hartnell and Smrek on the power play at 12:43.

Washington continued its strong play early in the final 20 minutes, and Radoslav Suchy's goal from Greg Watson and Artem Chubarov at 2:33 made it 5-2. Nashville came alive after the goal, however, and rallied for three goals to force overtime. Modin started the comeback from Modano and Nikulin at 5:19, before Hamrlik netted twice just 42 seconds apart to make it 5-5. Brunette and Thornton assisted on both goals.

The Caps dominated the play in overtime and outshot Nashville 7-0, but it wasn't enough to get one past Martin Prusek.

JS Giguere made 30 saves for Washington. Kevin Weekes stopped all four shots he faced in relief. Tomas Vokoun had 25 saves for the Preds, while Prusek was the hero in relief with 12 stops.

The Capitals host Buffalo on Day 112.