So What’s Up with the Caps and Overtime?

Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty ImagesIf, as the saying goes, two data points is a trend and three data points is a story, what’s four data points? Whatever it is, the Caps’ four losses in four overtimes is, at a minimum, concerning.

But just how concerned should we be? After all, three-on-three overtime is hardly “real hockey”... though those standings points lost are most assuredly “real” points. Your mileage may vary as to how concerning this early-season trend is, but let’s take a look at some of the factors that have led to this ignominious oh-fer.

1. Long Shifts

When the Panthers scored to win Thursday night’s game, Tom Wilson had been on the ice for 1:55, i.e. all of overtime. In the Wings…