Morning roundup: Minus Ovechin, Caps fall short

(Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) With Alex Ovechkin out, other players didn't fill the void, instead committing costly penalties in a 3-2 loss to New Jersey last night: The Capitals, who have dropped three straight (0-1-2), were assessed four penalties -- including two offensive-zone penalties taken by Alexander Semin and another by Brendan Morrison -- and the Devils struck twice on the ensuing power plays to break open a game that was 1-1 at the start of the third period. Semin, in fact, took three offensive zone penalties. "They're automatic penalties," said Coach Bruce Boudreau, who seethed on the bench late. "If you go behind the net and you put your stick on a guy you're going to get a penalty. Brendan Morrison has been in the league for 10 years. Alexander Semin has been in the league for five years and it's just dumb penalties." * Postgame wrap-up and video (link)