The Washington Capitals (26-22-7) had the lead late in regulation and then lost it. Thankfully, they overcame their shootout woes for a 4-3 win over the Detroit Red Wings (32-17-6) on Thursday.
The Capitals finished their six-game, 12-day road trip on a high note. Though it wasn’t without some drama towards the end.
Nic Dowd was the hero for the Capitals as he scored the first goal early on, followed by the game-winner in the shootout.
Detroit then tied it up at 1-1 with a goal from Ben Chiarot in the middle frame. However, the bigger story was Patrick Kane moving past Mike Modano for most career points by an American-born NHL player.
The Capitals then responded with two goals from Dylan Strome and Declan Chisholm. They led 3-1 with over two minutes left looking to hang on for the win.
However, Alex DeBrincat was able to tie the game up at 3-3 with two goals of his own. His second tally came on the luckiest of bounces.
After a scoreless OT period, the Capitals were able to score on all three attempts in the shootout. It’s the team’s first win in the skills competition this season after five unsuccessful results.
After a long road trip, the Capitals will return home to Capital One Arena for a date with Carolina on Saturday.
Capitals Analysis
Detroit originally scored the first tally on a power play, but it was waived off due to offside. This led to the Capitals succeeding on the penalty kill and taking advantage from there.
That’s when Dowd picked up a feed from Connor McMichael and fired the puck past John Gibson. The Capitals led 1-0 heading into the first intermission.
After Kane made history with his assist in the second period, the Capitals responded with two more goals in the third.
First, Strome picked up a loose puck in front and scored a wraparound goal to make it 2-1. Detroit then challenged, claiming that Strome’s contact had knocked the puck loose from Gibson’s glove. However, the tally stood as it was determined that the puck wasn’t fully covered in his glove.
Then, the Capitals overcame another penalty kill off a too-many-men call. This led to Chychrun firing a point shot that was deflected in by Chisholm to make it 3-1.
However, DeBrincat was able to tie it up with two goals late in regulation. The second tally came when his dump-in went off the camera hole in the corner and right to the crease. The puck then bounced off Charlie Lindgren’s leg and in for the game-tying goal to force overtime.
The game then went to a shootout as Lindgren got hurt on the last play. However, he stayed in as Clay Stevenson didn’t have to enter.
Detroit scored two goals on Lindgren, but Strome, Ryan Leonard, and Dowd all succeeded as the Capitals hung on. Lindgren then had to be helped off the ice and into the locker room.
Capitals Report Card
Team: A-
The Capitals played one of their better games on ice, but weren’t able to close it out in regulation. However, the team overcame their past shootout struggles for the victory.
Nic Dowd: A+
Dowd scored the Capitals’ first goal and the game-winner in the skills competition. The 34-year-old ended a 23-game goal drought and was very physical with five hits.
Jakob Chychrun: A
Chychrun finished with three assists on the night, as his third was deflected in by Chisholm.
Dylan Strome: A
Strome came through with a goal and an assist, giving him points in five of his last six and eight of the last 10. He also scored in the shootout.
Charlie Lindgren: B-
Lindgren made 18 saves but was very unlucky at the end of regulation. He had even worse luck at the end of OT but managed to stay in for the shootout.
John Carlson: B
Carlson stepped up defensively as he led the team with six blocks.
