Takeaways: Capitals Hold On For Point, But Can't Overcome Sharks

WASHINGTON — For the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, it was all about holding on against the San Jose Sharks. And they did just that for a key point, but it wasn't enough to win.

Logan Thompson put on a clinic between the pipes, but it wasn't enough in a 2-1 overtime loss.

Here are all the takeaways as D.C.'s four-game winning streak comes to an end.

Capitals' Red-Hot Power Play Cools Off

Going into Tuesday's contest, the Capitals had seen their power play take a major step forward. The man advantage was surging over this latest stretch, with D.C. managing power-play goals in five straight games — despite missing Alex Ovechkin — and eight of the last nine contests overall.

However, Washington just couldn't keep the momentum going against San Jose. The Capitals went 0-for-3 on the power play (one power play attempt was abbreviated due to a Jakob Chychrun slashing penalty) and just couldn't get much going offensively at 5-on-4.

Capitals Survive Slow Second & Third, Dowd & Thompson Play Hero

Things didn't quite go as planned for Washington in the second period, as the team spent quite a bit of time in its own zone.

The Capitals worked to block shots and sacrificed the body to prevent San Jose from capitalizing, and though D.C. had the upper hand in shots, 9-7, in the middle frame, a lot of time was spent on the backcheck.

Nic Dowd kept Washington in the game, though, as he rocketed a nice feed from Martin Fehervary past Mackenzie Blackwood off an offensive zone face-off to make it a 1-1 game.

Dowd's fourth line was solid throughout the night, generating some good chances. Beyond that, though, it was a difficult night when it came to solving Blackwood.

The third was no better, as San Jose outshot D.C. 12-4 and had plenty of good looks. Thompson played hero with an outstanding effort, stopping 29 of 31 in the loss.

Late Penalty Costly

In the final three minutes of regulation, Tom Wilson was going for a stick lift and missed the mark, getting Macklin Celebrini in the face. He drew blood, and Washington went shorthanded for four minutes.

William Eklund ultimately won it for San Jose on the power play early in overtime.

Top Shelf Takes

- Ivan Miroshnichenko has points in three straight games and four of his last five overall.