The Washington Capitals (20-13-5) returned from the holiday break with a thrilling victory. They leave Newark with a 4-3 OT […]
The Washington Capitals (20-13-5) returned from the holiday break with a thrilling victory. They leave Newark with a 4-3 OT victory over the New Jersey Devils (20-16-2) on Saturday night.
The game was very back-and-forth as the Capitals did just enough for the victory. Aliaksei Protas powered the offense with three points (1 goal, 2 assists).
Protas put the Capitals up 1-0 by beating the buzzer at the end of the first period. New Jersey tied it up tied it at 1-1 in the middle frame, but Anthony Beauvillier put the visitors back on top, 2-1.
After two New Jersey tallies in the third, Alex Ovechkin broke out of a slump and scored the game-tying goal. The game needed OT to settle the score as both teams got a point.
The Devils controlled the puck for a majority of the extra period, but Jakob Chychrun was able to tip in his own rebound for the game-winner.
Next up, the Capitals finish the two-game road trip by visiting the Florida Panthers in Sunrise on Monday night.
Capitals Analysis
The Capitals had been struggling before the holiday break with only one win in seven games (1-4-2). Thankfully, the team showed flashes of strong play, even if they weren’t perfect.
Protas helped power the Capitals’ offense throughout the night. His 14th goal of the season came at the end of the opening period to beat the buzzer.
Then, in the second, Protas forced a turnover which led to Beauvillier firing a shot past Jake Allen to give the Capitals a 2-1 lead. Finally, he helped set up Ovechkin’s game-tying goal in the third.
The 24-year-old now has points in 10 of his last 14 games and is on pace for 30 goals and 58 points this year.
Speaking of Ovechkin, he broke out of a nine-game drought as he got to the front and scored after receiving a pass from Rasmus Sandin. The goal gave the Capitals much-needed momentum after they gave up two New Jersey goals.
The Great 8 now has 15 tallies on the season and 912 in his illustrious career. He is still on pace for 30 goals this year.
Logan Thompson got the start in net and made many crucial saves on Saturday night. The future Vezina Trophy candidate stopped 35 of 38 shots that went his way.
New Jersey controlled most of the overtime period, with Thompson saving the day. With time running down, Chychrun skated with the puck and fired a shot on goal before batting in his own rebound to win the game.
Capitals Report Card
Team: B+
The Capitals showcased many of their strengths and some weaknesses in their first game back from the break.
Aliaksei Protas: A+
Protas was the MVP on the Capitals’ offense on Saturday night with three points. His lone goal came right at the end of the opening period to beat the buzzer.
Alex Ovechkin: A
Ovechkin scored a much-needed game-tying goal to break out of his nine-game drought. The Great 8 now has 912 career goals.
Logan Thompson: A
Thompson stepped up big time as he stopped 35 of 38 shots. He continues to be a surefire Vezina Trophy candidate.
Jakob Chychrun: A
Chychrun came through with the game-winner in OT as he now leads all NHL defensemen with 15 goals.
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