Harry Lichtman
The Washington Capitals (33-27-8) played longer than they needed to on Saturday afternoon. They held up with the Boston Bruins (37-23-6) but fell 3-2 in a shootout that lasted nine rounds.
The Capitals needed a win to keep up with Boston, who held the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. Washington did finish with a point, but needed two.
The Capitals blue line stepped up big time to keep hope alive. Matt Roy opened up the scoring, while Rasmus Sandin had a multi-point game.
However, Boston didn’t back down as Charlie McAvoy recorded two goals. But neither team was able to score on multiple power play opportunities.
The game required overtime and then a shootout, which lasted nine rounds. Despite the Capitals’ best efforts, Fraser Minten scored the game-winner for Boston.
Next up, the Capitals continue their four-game homestand as they host Ottawa on Wednesday.
Capitals Analysis
After a scoreless opening period, Roy put the Capitals up 1-0 75 seconds into the middle frame. The 31-year-old blueliner fired an 86 MPH shot past Jeremy Swayman top corner.
Roy looked impressive on the ice in general. The defenseman moved the puck well, and made smart reads at both ends of the ice.
Sandin also played well as he recorded an assist on Roy’s tally. The 26-year-old followed that up with a goal of his own early in the third.
With the score tied at 1-1, Sandin fired a knucklepuck from the point to make it 2-1. The blueliner also showed off his impressive two-way play, finishing with four blocks.
However, Boston’s blue line also came through, thanks to McAvoy’s two goals. The Olympic gold medalist fired a point shot in to tie it in the second, then deflected a shot in to make it 2-2.
With the score tied late, the Capitals had two power play opportunities to try and take the lead. Unfortunately, the team’s issues on the man advantage continued.
Things got worse when Connor McMichael took a late penalty, and the Capitals went shorthanded with over a minute left. Thankfully, Boston didn’t score even as their power play extended into OT.
The Capitals penalty kill already stepped up early in the period. Tom Wilson and Anthony Beauvillier were both in the box, but the team successfully killed off a 39-second 5-on-3.
Despite the loss, Logan Thompson was remarkable in net by stopping 32 of 34 shots. He also made eight saves in the skills competition.
Capitals Report Card
Team: B-
The Capitals did their best to keep the game competitive, in regulation, overtime, and the shootout. Sadly, they couldn’t get the win.
Rasmus Sandin: A+
Sandin had himself a multipoint day with a goal and an assist. The blueliner got plenty of good looks and generated high-danger chances while also playing well on defense.
Matt Roy: A
Roy opened up the scoring 75 seconds into the second period. He recorded his first goal since Nov. 17 vs. Los Angeles.
Capitals Special Teams: C+
The Capitals’ power play once again struggled as it went 0-for-3. However, the penalty kill fared much better, including on a 5-on-3 in the third.
Logan Thompson: B
Thompson stepped up with 32 saves in the loss. The netminder also stopped eight shots in the shootout.
