The Washington Capitals are coming off a disappointing 3-1 Game loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, and their season has unfortunately come to an end. While the Capitals played a respectable game, a late goal by Seth Jarvis sealed their fate - a play goaltender Logan Thompson took full accountability for.
If you're Logan Thompson, last night didn't come with much sleep. Despite playing a solid game overall, one late mistake proved costly- and ultimitely ended Washington's season.
«It was a 3-on-2, I think,» recounts Thompson. «And it kicked out to my left; I just lost sight of it for a second. There were bodies coming in between, and it's my job to find a lane and get my eyes on it. He sifted it through, and it's a terrible goal to give up to end the season, and I've got to wear that. I'm an adult, and that's on me. I have to be better.»
According to the NHL, Seth Jarvis' goal into an empty net in the game's final half minute ended any hope of a miracle comeback, and with it, what had been a mostly magical season for Washington, which managed a 22-point improvement in the standing from last season to this, finishing first in the Eastern Conference standings.
«It stings; it sucks,» says Thompson. «Credit to them, that's a good team over there, they're well-coached. A couple of close games; it could have gone the other way. Credit to Freddie Andersen; I thought he was the better goalie this series. I think I could have been better, and could have made a couple of saves in Raleigh, and definitely tonight. And it sucks.
«It's a good team, so tip your hat to them.»
Thompson and Andersen both made several big saves to keep the nets puck free for more than two full periods of playing time after both sides scored in the middle of the first.
With the season officially over, the Capitals now shift their focus to next year.