Latta sounds like lot of. No one has ever tried this joke before. (Photo: Gregg Forwerck)
One day after defeating the New York Rangers 7-3, the Caps headed down to Raleigh, NC looking for their second win in as many nights. Things got started poorly, with the Caps getting outshot 9-2 midway through the opening frame. The cause was clear: the lack of a morning skate, which is the most important part of any game day, including the game itself.
The Caps picked up the pace as the period wore on, getting on the board with just over four minutes left after Michael Latta put home Andre Burakovsky’s rebound to put the Caps up first for the 13th time in their last 16 games.
In the second, the Capitals opened up a two goal after a key faceoff win by Jay Beagle lead to a deflection by Jason Chimera’s foot.
Kris Versteeg was able to put the Canes within one with some magical stick work early in the third period, but the Capitals survived Carolina’s late push. Caps top Canes 2-1.
- Something must be up with Michael Latta. After scoring his third goal of the season Monday, he didn’t left a single leg off the ice. Send hugs his way.
- Meanwhile, Andre Burakovsky’s assist on Latta’s goal was just his second point in 14 games, in what has been a brutal stretch for the former top-sixer.
- TJ Oshie came into the game as a game-time decision after playing 14:49 on Sunday after appearing to injure his arm. TJ played just 3:40 in the first period, with zero defensive zone starts. In the second, he went down with another ailment, hoping back to the Capitals bench after taking a shot off his foot. With a four day break coming up, perhaps Osh, the NHL’s number two star last week, should have opted for some R&R.
- Last season, Jason Chimera had seven goals in 77 games. Now, with his second in as many nights, Chimmer has 9 goals in 33 games. This and the rise of Donald Trump are the two most inexplicable trends of 2015. Chimera’s louder too.
- Also amazing: the Capitals’ third line of Chimera, Jay Beagle, and Tom Wilson may have been their best trio. Chimera had a team-high 3 shots on goal as well. I can’t feel my face.
- Beagle, too, was 14 for 18 in the faceoff circle.
- The second line, however, was horrid, though they did spend start in the defensive zone more than usual as Barry Trotz seemed to be protecting Oshie. Justin Williams finished with a minus-13 shot attempt differential. Evgeny Kuznetsov and Marcus Johansson were even worst at minus-15. Ouch.
- Coming into Monday night’s game, the Caps power play had scored a ridiculous five goals on seven opportunities. They didn’t tally a PP goal tonight, but their puck movement was sublime.
- On the other side of the ice, the Hurricanes’ man advantage unit came into the game with 10 goals in their last eight games. It wasn’t pretty, but the Capitals were able kill off all three of Carolina’s power plays.
- Some guy named Philipp Grubauer has now played in two of Washington’s last three games. He was solid Monday, beaten only by an excellent goal from Kris Versteeg. Twenty-six saves.
You know the drill. The Capitals have won six straight and 13 of their last 15. They have the best record in the NHL. You enjoy watching them.
