The Capitals third line stole the show, but it wasn't enough in an OT loss.

WASHINGTON – The Washington Capitals came into Wednesday's game against the Florida Panthers with a clear goal: to find a spark on offense. It was the third line that heard the message loud and clear, but it wasn't enough.

Connor McMichael led the charge with a goal and assist, while Anthony Mantha struck twice and Aliaksei Protas put up two helpers, but the Capitals ultimately fell 4-3 in overtime to Florida.

Here are all the takeaways from the loss, where Washington earned a point.

Third Line Steals Show As McMichael & Mantha At Center Stage, But Not Enough In OT Loss

While Mantha got on the board earlier in the first period when his errant pass went off the Panthers' defense and in, he and the Capitals were trailing going into the second and looking for the answer.

McMichael, with the help of linemates Protas and Mantha, rose to the occasion.

Early in the frame, with the Capitals shorthanded, Protas stripped Florida of the puck and started a rush the other way. From there, McMichael turned on the jets and was able to sneak behind the defense and go on a breakaway, where he beat Sergei Bobrovsky on the backhand to even the score.

Later in the frame, with the game still tied and a go-ahead goal for Washington waved off minutes earlier, McMichael showcased his speed again, starting a 2-on-1 with Mantha, who made no mistake on his past and gave Washington the lead going into the third.

Mantha is now tied for Wilson with second in goals on the team with three, and McMichael's five points in 11 games put him in a tie for fourth in team scoring. Protas, meanwhile, had two assists in the win for a multi-point outing.

Unfortunately, it wasn't enough, and some defensive breakdowns cost the Capitals. Early in the third, Evan Rodrigues tied things up r sneaking behind the defense and burying a backdoor feed. The Panthers ultimately shut things down to force OT, where Sam Reinhart won things 15 seconds in.

Capitals Again Fall Prey To Coach's Challenge As Milano Goal Called Back

In the second period, Sonny Milano was able to get to the front and bury a rebound, but the goal was waved off after a coach's challenge for offside.

It was revealed in the replay that Tom Wilson, with Washington making its final push late in a power-play opportunity, entered the zone slightly before Matthew Phillips made his way in with the puck, hence the overturned goal.

It marked the fifth time that the Capitals had a goal waved off this season, meaning that 18.5 percent of the goals the team has been able to score this year have been washed out. Washington has yet to have a coach's challenge go its way, either.

Ovechkin Still Getting Chances, But Can't Convert; Power Play Struggles Continue

Again, Ovechkin had several chances and was actively involved on Wednesday, making some strong plays and being smart with regard as to whether to pass or shoot. However, despite coming close on a few opportunities for goals or assists, he just couldn't find the scoresheet.

He now has two goals through 11 games and has not struck since scoring an empty-netter against the New Jersey Devils on Oct. 25.

Beyond Ovechkin, the power play is also still struggling despite a couple of looks. Washington went 0-for-2 against Florida.

Mantha Takes Puck To Face, Leaves Game

In the third period and looking for the hat trick, Mantha was in front of the net when he got hit in the left side of his face with an Evgeny Kuznetsov shot that was deflected off of Mike Reilly's stick. He went down in visible pain and started bleeding while a trainer came out to assist him.

The 29-year-old slowly got up and was helped to the bench and down the tunnel. Washington is still awaiting word on his status.