The playoff heartbreaks just keep on stacking up for the Washington Capitals, who once again collapsed in a 5-3 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 5 of their first-round series Wednesday night. Caps forward T.J. Oshie underscored what is apparently a consistent issue for Washington, which is now in a must-win situation.

Via Bijan Todd of NBC Sports Washington:

“Giving up a three-goal lead — I don't know how many times we've done that this year,” Oshie said. “This swings momentum. They’re tough in a game. When it’s on your side, you've got to try to keep it, not give them momentum, make them earn it.”

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Capitals fans are used to seeing Washington flounder in the playoffs, but this time, Washington is not among the favorites to win the Stanley Cup like it used to in the last decade when it consistently charged into the playoffs as among the top seeds.  The Caps struck first in Game 5 with a goal by Oshie on the man advantage in the opening period. He would strike again in the second period to give the Capitals a 3-0 lead, with Justin Schultz finding the back of the net in between Oshie's goals.

The wheels fell off for Washington from that point, as the Panthers broke the Capitals' back with five unanswered goals to take the critical 3-2 series lead heading to Game 6 at home.