Semin helps Caps get 2 points from Dallas in OT

Since I was enjoying a Halloween party while the game was on, my perspective on this one is based on what I read.  It didn't sound like the Caps played a pretty game, at all, but 2 points in the standings is 2 points and this Caps fan is happy that they got that.  

Sergei Fedorov scored twice to become the leading Russian goal scorer in the NHL, Tomas Fleischman scored twice, the AHLer Tyler Sloan scored his first NHL goal and, thankfully, Alexander Semin scored the game winner in overtime to make it 6-5. 

The defense played terrible according to Coach Boudreau. There's a shocker.  The Caps blue line has been the weakest link since the season started.  I was hoping one more year of maturity for some of the younger players might improve the defense, but this team is desperately missing injured Tom Poti.  Mike Green and Shaone Morrisonn were on the ice for 3 Dallas goals so they're not getting the job done.  Milan Jurcina and Jeff Schultz/John Erskine were on the ice for the other 2 goals.

I'm not sure where the Caps energy has disappeared to, but I hope they find it before they dig themselves a hole.  They've played 1 complete game out of 8 total and that was against the Vancouver Canucks. It's a long season, but come on Caps, let's wake up and play like you did last year. 

What are the problems?

• Ovie's lack of scoring?  Of course that's going to have an impact, but others need to step it up besides Semin and Fedorov.
• Backstrom's slow start?  Chris Clark's slow start? (I'm not going to bash Clarkie as he's been out for a long time recovering from that groin injury so it'll be a while before he gets his game back.)
• Trying to figure out how to mesh Michael Nylander's fancier style of play with the Caps uglier, but get it done style of play from last year?
• Tom Poti's injury?  And, while we're on the blue line, way too many ugly defensive mistakes?  Yes, that one is a given.

I'm not sure what the issue is, I just hope they get it together.

Tomorrow night, the Nashville Predators visit the phone booth.  I'll miss watching Alex Ovechkin as he's home with his sick grandfather.   I hope your grandfather is okay Ovie.

Let's go Caps!