Semin scores twice as Capitals rout Canucks 5-1

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(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-10-14 11:38

WASHINGTON - The Washington Capitals delivered a masterclass at both ends of the ice in a 5-1 rout of the previously unbeaten Vancouver Canucks Monday.

Alexander Semin scored twice and Michael Nylander notched his first goal of the season on a penalty shot for Washington.

The Canucks had scored 11 goals in their first two games but were sluggish all night and were outshot 35-10 by the Capitals.

"I really don't have any answers for what happened," said Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo, who surrendered all five goals before sitting out the final period.

"I've got no words. It was a tough game from beginning to end. We'll put it behind us and just dismiss it."

Vancouver's 6-0-1 preseason record was the league's best and the team opened the regular season with consecutive wins over rival Calgary. But against Washington, nothing worked.

"It was one of those nights where our battle-level wasn't there," said Canucks centre Ryan Kesler. "It seemed the puck wasn't bouncing for us. When your battle-level isn't there and the puck is not bouncing for you, you're not going to win."

Washington broke the game open with goals by Milan Jurcina and Semin within 66 seconds during the second period, turning a 2-1 lead into a 4-1 advantage.

Nylander scored again before the period was finished to give Washington a 5-1 lead. After two periods, the Capitals enjoyed a 25-3 advantage in shots.

Luongo had a career 12-1-2 record in 15 starts against Washington but was never sharp, with Semin scoring less than three minutes into the game.

"Every now and again great players have games like that. He was probably just like the rest of his team -- very tired," said Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau. "You could see in the first couple minutes they were tired.

"They played two emotional games against their number one rival and then travelled cross country. As soon as we got the lead 3-1 they were too tired to come back."