Stars and Sticks Three Stars Of The Game: Washington Capitals VS Florida Panthers

Third Star – John Carlson

Carlson scored the second goal for the Capitals, which was almost the game winning goal, nonetheless it was the goal that kept the Capitals alive in the game as the Panthers tied it up late. It was also John’s 100th point in the NHL and his first goal of the 2013-14 campaign. It should also be noted that Michael Latta had the primary assist on the goal – which was his first ever NHL point. What a monumental goal for Carlson and Latta! Latta deserves most of the credit on the goal, he flew down the wing and made a spectacular pass to Carlson. Carlson was the player who eventually buried it in the back of the net though, and thus kept the Capitals alive as the Panthers scored late in the third.

Second Star – Michal Neuvirth

Nicklas Backstrom (19)Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Neuvirth played a great game for the Capitals, facing 33 shots and stopping 31 of them. The Panthers had numerous power play opportunities but the Capitals and Neuvirth shut them down on all but one. Not many rebounds were left out for Panthers players to capitalize – Neuvirth really seemed on his game tonight even though it was only his 5th appearance thus far. Holtby earned a well needed break, and Neuvirth stepped up big and helped the Caps earn their second win in the month of November.

First Star – Nicklas Backstrom

Backstrom has been on fire in the last two games played. He opened up the scoring once again for the Capitals and made it one to nothing late in the first period. Backstrom now has 5 goals, 3 of which have come in the last two games. He did take a penalty in the game, but it wasn’t exactly a bad one – Backstrom went in hard on a shoulder to shoulder play and got whistled for interference. Other than the pentalty, Backstrom has been solid for the Capitals and has helped Washington get past the absence of Ovechkin. Oh, and dont forget, he scored the game winner in the shootout to seal the victory for the Capitals!