The Washington Capitals (24-15-6) are still not able to string together victories. They came up short late as the San Jose Sharks (24-19-3) escaped with a 3-2 victory on Thursday.
The last time the Capitals assembled a winning streak was early December. Their six-game winning streak was capped with a road victory in San Jose on Dec. 3.
In the second period, Dylan Strome scored a power-play goal to put the Capitals up 1-0, looking like a positive sign.
Unforutnately, San Jose responded with a series of three goals within minutes of each other, as the Capitals fell apart yet again.
In the third, Ryan Leonard kept the Capitals in the game with a tally as he cut the deficit to 3-2. However, they fell short despite multiple scoring chances at the end.
“It’s concerning that we can’t gain any traction and we aren’t able to do it for 2, 3, 4, 5 periods in a row,” said Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery.
Next up, the Capitals finish the three-game homestand against defending champion Florida on Saturday.
Capitals Analysis
The Capitals once again had to roll without the injured Tom Wilson and Justin Sourdif. However, Jakob Chychrun returned to the lineup after dealing with an illness.
After a scoreless opening period, the Capitals went on the power play 10 minutes into the middle frame. That’s when Ovechkin fired a shot that rang off the post, but Strome was there in front to send the puck in.
However, minutes after the Strome tally, Dmitry Orlov beat Jakob Chychrun to the puck along the boards. Orlov then found Zach Ostapchuk in front to even the score at 1-1.
Then, 1:26 later, Pavol Regenda stripped Strome of the puck and fed to a speeding Collin Graf, who gave San Jose a 2-1 lead.
Regenda then followed up with a goal of his own 1:20 later to make it 3-1. San Jose had dominated the second period by outshooting the Capitals 12-4, and 22-9 after two.
“Can’t give up three goals in the final five seconds there,” said Logan Thompson. “Gotta find a way to string together a full 60 minutes.”
The third period is when Leonard got moved up to work with Connor McMichael and Anthony Beauvillier. Leonard scored when he cut to the inside, then sniped the puck past Alex Nedeljkovic top shelf.
The Capitals managed to outshoot San Jose 14-3 in the final period, but despite a late push to tie the game, they fell short.
Capitals Report Card
Team: C+
The Capitals yielding three San Jose goals proved costly, despite a late rally. Injuries continue to be a negative factor for the team.
Ryan Leonard: A
Leonard looked very impressive on the ice as he moved the puck well and made it a one-goal game in the third.
Capitals Special Teams: A-
The Capitals managed to score on one of two power-play opportunities, and succeed on all three penalty kills. A rarity for the Capitals special teams this season.
Alex Ovechkin: B
Ovechkin also played well as he recorded an assist on Strome’s power-play goal and finished with three shots.
Logan Thompson: B-
Thompson did his best, despite giving up those three goals in the middle frame. The 28-year-old goaltender finished the night with 23 saves on 26 shots.
