Pat Sajak stands with the renewal sweepstakes grand prize winners. Photo via @CapsSTH
Before even half of the first period was over Tuesday, the Islanders had already had a 2-0 lead. A stunned Verizon Center crowd stayed positive with ‘Lets Go Caps,’ trying to boost the team and ignite the fire that scorched their last three opponents on the road. But the period ended and the Caps showed few signs of life.
That’s when celebrity super fan and Wheel of Fortune host, Pat Sajak, appeared on the big screen, prompting the fans to cheer. Then DC 101’s Elliott Segal played the ‘Let’s Go Caps’ theme on the house organ.
So, it’s no wonder the Caps answered the call in the 2nd period with goals by Mike Ribeiro and John Carlson.
The Caps did an excellent job on the penalty kill in the 3rd period, but couldn’t capitalize on a power play opportunity of their own. Moments later, the Islanders lit the lamp off a Mike Green turnover, and that’s how it ended. The Caps fell to the Islanders, 3-2.
Coach Adam Oates described the loss as frustrating. “Laich and Green made a tired mistake that cost us the game. I’m sure they would like to have that back. We gave them a free goal.” Before tonight’s game, the Capitals were 13-3-1 in their last 17 games against the Islanders.
But we still give credit to Segal and Sajak for sparking the team in the second period.
BTW, Alex Ovechkin‘s new stall-mate is Aaron Volpatti (when he plays, of course). That locker was previously occupied by Joey Crabb and Alex Semin.
Elliot plays the organ. Photo via @WesJohnsonVoice. Check out the video of Elliot learning how to play it.
