Harry Lichtman
The Washington Capitals (31-23-7) have been on a roll lately. They escaped past the Vegas Golden Knights (28-17-14) 3-2 on Friday night for their fifth consecutive home win.
Pierre-Luc Dubois stepped up once again in his third game back from injury. He recorded three points, including two goals, all in the middle frame.
Aliaksei Protas also made an impression as he assisted on both Dubois tallies. The Russian forward seems to have gotten his groove back after a rough start to the season.
It was a special night for Jakob Chychrun, who was playing in his 600th NHL game. The defenseman added a goal to make it 3-0 in the second period.
Logan Thompson also came through when it mattered most against his former team. The Olympic silver medalist stopped 24 of 26 shots for his 20th win of the season.
Next up, the Capitals finish up this back-to-back north of the border as they visit Montreal on Saturday.
Capitals Analysis
Tom Wilson returned to the Capitals’ lineup for the first time after representing Team Canada in the Winter Olympics. However, the team was still without John Carlson, who is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.
After a scoreless opening period, Dubois came through with two goals in a span of 2:34 to make it 2-0.
On the first goal, the 27-year-old entered the zone and sent a high shot past Akira Schmid off an impressive passing play. Then, Dubois got to the front and buried a feed from Protas for his second of the night.
It was another stellar game for Dubois as he finished with two goals, an assist, and a team-leading six shots. Additionally, the 27-year-old has brought stability and consistency back to the line combinations as he plays a pivotal role in the top-6.
Chychrun then contributed to make it 3-0 in the frame on his special night. The 27-year-old sent a one-timer from the right circle into the net for his 22nd tally this season. Those are the most by a Capitals defenseman in a single season since Mike Green (31) in 2008-09.
However, the third period is where the Capitals started to slow down a bit. It all started when Braeden Bowman skated past the defense towards a bouncing puck and scored to put Vegas on the board.
Minutes later, the Capitals went on the penalty kill, where Tomas Hertl’s tip bounced off Matt Roy’s skate and in.
Nevertheless, the 29-year-old goaltender came through with some clutch saves. He prevented both Brayden McNabb and Mitch Marner from scoring on shorthanded breakaways with over three minutes left.
Capitals Report Card
Team: A-
The second period was one of the best frames for the Capitals this season. Despite giving up two Vegas goals in the third, the team prevailed in the end.
Pierre-Luc Dubois: A+
Dubois continues to be the spark the Capitals needed in his third game back from injury. The 27-year-old now has five points through those three games.
Logan Thompson: A
Thompson stepped up once again as he made some clutch saves for his 20th win of the season. He finished with 24 saves, and now has three straight wins and a .936 save percentage through the month of February.
Aliaksei Protas: A
Protas came through with two assists, both on Dubois’ goals. The 25-year-old now has points in five of his last six games, and is on pace for 55 points again.
Jakob Chychrun: A
In his 600th career game, Chychrun recorded his 22nd goal of the year. The 27-year-old now has 12 points in his last nine games.
Rasmus Sandin: A
After scoring a goal in the previous game, Sandin showed off his strong two-way play with two assists, two blocks, and two hits.
Capitals Special Teams: D
The biggest negative from this otherwise impressive win was special teams. The Capitals went 0-for-4 on the power play, as Alex Ovechkin obviously wasn’t happy. The penalty kill also gave up a goal while up by two late.
