The Washington Capitals (22-15-6) found their rhythm for a much-needed win. Despite being down two top players, they managed to […]
The Washington Capitals (22-15-6) found their rhythm for a much-needed win. Despite being down two top players, they managed to beat the Anaheim Ducks (21-18-3) 7-4 on Monday night.
Both Tom Wilson and Aliaksei Protas were out with injuries, so the Capitals had to roll with 11 forwards and seven defensemen.
Things worked out just fine as Justin Sourdif recorded his first career hat trick, while Connor McMichael finished with four assists.
Alex Ovechkin also joined in on the scoring with two goals, including an empty-net goal for 914 on his career.
The Capitals led 5-1 but then let Anaheim make it a one-goal game in the third period. However, two empty-netters sealed it.
Things also got chippy as Brandon Duhaime and Dylan McIlrath fought Jacob Trouba and Ross Johnston, respectively.
Next up, the Capitals finish their three-game homestand on Wednesday as they host Dallas.
Capitals Analysis
The Capitals had to play Monday night without injured top players, Tom Wilson and Aliaksei Protas. As a result, the team went with 11 forwards and seven defensemen.
One of the new forward lines formed by Spencer Carbery involved McMichael, Sourdif, and Ryan Leonard. That line managed to find the most chemistry on the night.
Down 1-0 in the opening period, McMichael found Sourdif twice to give the Capitals a 2-1 lead heading into the first intermission. Then, Sourdif helped set up Leonard, while Leonard returned the favor for two more goals in the middle frame.
Ovechkin followed up by firing a wrist shot past Petr Mrazek to make it 5-1 Capitals in the second. The Great 8 broke out of a four-game goal drought for his 16th goal of the season and career tally No. 913.
Ovechkin also made more history as he passed Wayne Gretzky for the most home games with a goal (349).
However, the Capitals started to look sloppy as Alex Killorn and Trouba answered with two tallies. The lead was cut to 5-3 at the second intermission.
Beckett Sennecke cut it to 5-4 in the third, but Charlie Lindgren stepped up when he needed to. The Capitals then sealed it with two empty-netters from John Carlson and Ovechkin.
Capitals Report Card
Team: B+
The Capitals overcame some adversity and finished the night with seven goals. They did get sloppy towards the end and almost blew a 5-1 lead, but hung on nonetheless.
Justin Sourdif: A+
Sourdif continues to be a quality addition to the Capitals as he recorded his first career hat trick along with two assists. He now has points in three of his last four games, with nine points over that span.
Connor McMichael: A+
McMichael also stepped up as he recorded an assist on four of the Capitals’ seven goals. He now has six points in his last four games.
Ryan Leonard: A+
Leonard also made a big contribution on the same line with Sourdif and McMichael with two points. The rookie is now on a four-game point streak with seven points in his last seven games.
Alex Ovechkin: A
Ovechkin proved he’s still got it as he scored twice to end a four-game goal drought. The Great 8 now has 17 goals this season and 914 in his illustrious career.
Charlie Lindgren: A-
Lindgren stepped up big time despite allowing four goals. He made some very impressive saves and stopped 41 of 45 shots.
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