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Capitals coach vents as tough times continue in Washington

Florida Panthers v Washington Capitals

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 02: Head coach Adam Oates of the Washington Capitals watches the game during the second period against the Florida Panthers at the Verizon Center on November 2, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Greg Fiume

Four straight losses would be enough to leave most NHL coaches extremely frustrated.

Add Adam Oates to the list, particularly after the way his Washington Capitals tossed away a two-goal lead after the first period in a 6-4 loss to the visiting Ottawa Senators on Wednesday night. Two points, gone.

The Senators erupted for five goals in the final 40 minutes of play, including a soft winning goal on a wrist shot from Zack Smith that got through Braden Holtby. The Senators were also three-for-six on the power play, which was a major factor in the win.

Count it. Four straight losses - one of those did come in the shootout.

“Yelling is irrelevant, that’s high school for me. If the guys don’t know we let one get away, shame on them,” Oates said afterward, as per CSN Washington.

“I’m going to tell them, but if they walk away and they’re not upset, then there’s nothing any coach can do to change that.”

This turmoil comes after a pair of Capitals have demanded trades in recent days.

A story broke Wednesday that defenseman Dmitry Orlov requested a trade through his agent, which followed soon after Martin Erat’s demand to be dealt.

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