Here we go again: Capitals not sweating Game 1 loss to Blue Jackets

The Washington Capitals have been here before.

A Game 1 overtime loss at the hands of the Columbus Jackets has put them in an early hole, raising age-old questions as to whether this team will ever be able to get it done in the postseason.

In reality, Washington played well on Thursday, largely controlling play and benefiting from an early five-minute power play that carried the Capitals to the second period with a two-goal lead.

Columbus, however, kept chipping away, and stole the game on a beautiful overtime winner by Artemi Panarin.

As far as head coach Barry Trotz is concerned, a lack of discipline hurt his team's chances to secure the win.

"I thought it was almost three different games," Trotz said after the game. "The first period, we were very disciplined and we carried the play, obviously got our power-play goals. Second period, you know they're going to have a push. I thought the first part of that period they were a little bit better, a little bit stronger on the puck. I thought we got it back later in the period.

"We took three penalties in the third period and that ended up putting us in a position where we're going to overtime."

A big adjustment that could be made for Game 2 would be in net. Trotz said Philip Grubauer was fine and he'll take some time to evaluate whether to go back to him or turn to Braden Holtby.

As far as captain Alex Ovechkin is concerned, there's no reason to panic.

Alex Ovechkin on the loss: "A couple of mistakes we need to correct and we'll be fine."

- Ian Oland (@ianoland) April 13, 2018

Washington, of course, fell in the second round to Pittsburgh in each of the past two postseasons.

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