High Sticks and Hip Checks: Caps Win Over Leafs

Washington looked as if it was going to play a complete game against Toronto last night, leading 3-1 heading into the final 20 minutes, despite being down early in the first period. The Maple Leafs however had other ideas, and in swift fashion scored three unanswered goals to take the lead late in the third. The third period collapse was particularly discouraging in light of the fact that Toronto had labored on Tuesday night in a loss to Ottawa while the Caps had had three full days off since last skating. The third period last night should have been theirs. Killer instinct. Remember that concern from last season? Alexander Semin, however, answered late on the power play  — and eventually added the shootout winner. The Caps are 4-0-0 on the season when he scores. More on him in a moment. Just a Coincidence? It is clear the power-play, Boyd Gordon, scoring more than three goals and playing beyond regulation have been good things for the Capitals this year. They are 5-0 when...