For nearly two full periods, Tuesday’s night’s game was mind-numbingly dull. But then, Troy Brouwer fumbled the puck in spectacular fashion on the power play, putting the Columbus Blue Jackets up 1-0. The next Caps power play went a little a better.

Skating into the offensive zone, Martin Erat fought for the puck near far circle with Columbus defenseman Dalton Prout — yes, that’s a real name — as John Carlson and Tom Wilson drove towards the front of the net. As Erat approached, he was tripped by Prout. Falling over, Marty made a brilliant pass to the front of the net, connecting with Carlson. JCar scored for his fourth goal in six games. Carlson also fell over as he contacted the puck, crashing into CSN’s goal cam. Wilson, eager to celebrate, then tripped over Carlson’s legs, himself tumbling into the net.

Three Caps on the ground, one puck in the net. Only the Caps could make a sublime skill play look so haphazard.

GIFs by welshhockeyfan.