Miller blanked, costly defensive lapses and more: 3 reasons why Vancouver Canucks lost 2-1 in OT against Washington Capitals 

The Vancouver Canucks lost a tight-checking 2-1 game in overtime against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on Wednesday night.

Pierre-Luc Dubois scored both goals for the Capitals, including the game-winner at 4:19 of the extra period to seal the victory. Meanwhile, Conor Garland scored a power play goal to tie the for the Canucks late in the second period.

Here's a closer look at three reasons why Vancouver lost to Washington on Wednesday night.

3 reasons why Vancouver Canucks lost 2-1 in OT to Washington Capitals

#3. Logan Thompson stole the game for Caps

Logan Thompson was the big story of the night, stopping 30 shots to essentially steal the game for Washington.

The Canucks outshot the Capitals 31-18, but it was Thompson, the game’s first star, who held it together for the home team.

Thompson stood tall in the second period as he faced a barrage of shots from Vancouver. The 21-5 lopsided shot count left Vancouver fans scratching their heads as the team was only able to muster a single goal.

#2. Costly defensive lapses

The Vancouver Canucks seemingly controlled the game all night. They had a lopsided edge in the shot count while outhitting the Caps 27-20, and blocking more shots 18-13.

But it was the defensive lapses that cost the Canucks the two points on Wednesday night. Dubois’ opening goal was a good example of said defensive lapses.

During the sequence, three white shirts can be seen circling the front of the Vancouver net. Only one red shirt moved through the crease, picking up the rebound from a point shot by Matt Roy.

The rebound jumped in the air, Dubois knocked it down, and promptly buried it home for the game’s opening goal. Meanwhile, none of the three Vancouver players were able to do much to prevent Dubois from scoring. Ultimately, the Capitals didn’t have many chances but managed to capitalize on the ones they did get.

#1. Miller blanked

Vancouver Canucks top-line center J.T. Miller went silent on the night, managing three shots on goal in nearly 20 minutes of ice time. Similarly, Jake DeBrusk and Brock Boeser had quiet nights, failing to get on the scoresheet.

In tight games such as this one, the Canucks need to get more offensive production from their top scorers. However, they didn’t come through, allowing the Caps to steal one.

Of course, the Capitals deserve credit for playing a gritty game. But given the score and how Vancouver dominated most of the game, the Canucks should have come away with the victory. Instead, they let the two points slip through their fingers.

The Canucks will get Thursday off before taking on the Carolina Hurricanes next at PNC Arena on Friday.