The Washington Capitals (21-15-5) got off to a strong start but couldn’t finish. They fell to the Ottawa Senators (19-15-5) 4-3 on the road to begin 2026.
After a stellar 6-3 win over the Rangers on New Year’s Eve, it seemed like the Capitals would continue that strong play on Thursday.
Justin Sourdif was a force to be reckoned with in the opening period as he helped set up Tom Wilson for an early goal. Then, Dylan Strome scored on the power play to give the Capitals a 2-0 lead.
Unfortunately, the lead wasn’t sustainable as Ottawa answered with two goals to tie it back up at 2-2 in the middle frame.
Down 3-2 in the third, Aliaksei Protas tied it back up as he returned to the ice after taking a big hit in the first.
However, Ottawa broke the tie two minutes later as Fabian Zetterlund scored the go-ahead goal with over two minutes left.
Next up, the Capitals begin a three-game homestand that begins on Saturday against Chicago.
Capitals Analysis
The Capitals dominated the first period by outshooting Ottawa 16-6. The momentum was in their favor as they were aggressive.
Sourdif was the key to the Capitals’ success early on. The rookie took a big hit before helping set up Wilson for his fifth goal in the last three games.
Then, Sourdif showcased his physicality as he laid out a vicious hit on Ottawa blueliner Thomas Chabot. Then, he dropped the gloves with Drake Batherson.
The Capitals’ power play also came alive in the opening period, as Strome showed some great stick-handling before firing the puck home. He now has points in six of his last seven games.
Unfortunately, the second period was a much different story. After totaling only six shots, Ottawa managed to outshoot the Capitals 15-7.
The Capitals made several miscues and couldn’t sustain much pressure, as Ottawa added two goals of their own, including one from former Capital Nick Jensen.
This allowed Spencer Carbery to make adjustments and put Sourdif, Wilson, and Aliaksei Protas on the second line, needing some sort of spark.
The change worked at first as Protas tied it up at 3-3 to extend his point streak to five games. Sourdif also contributed with his second assist on the day.
However, Ottawa then retook the lead as Zetterlund rushed down the ice and scored his 10th of the season with 2:22 left. The Capitals attempted a late rally but came up just short.
Capitals Report Card
Team: C+
The Capitals looked dominant in the first period, but failed to sustain that strong play the rest of the game. The team ultimately came up short in the end.
Tom Wilson: A
Wilson continued where he left off on Wednesday as he recorded his team-leading 22nd goal and an assist. The alternate captain has played well since being named to Team Canada’s Olympic roster.
Justin Sourdif: A
Sourdif had a remarkable performance as he finished with two assists and was very physical against Ottawa on Thursday.
Aliaksei Protas: B
Protas had a Paul Kariya moment as he took a huge hit in the first period and left the ice, only to return in the second. He then tied it up at 3-3 in the third to extend his point streak to five games.
Capitals Special Teams: B
The Capitals went 1-for-4 on the man advantage as it came alive in the opening period with Strome’s tally. The team also succeeded on all four penalty kills in a loss.
Hendrix Lapierre: D
Lapierre came close to finally scoring on a couple chances, but wasn’t able to. The 23-year-old has now gone 80 consecutive NHL games without a single goal.
