On Saturday, head coach Barry Trotz criticized his team for wallowing in “self-pity.” Sunday, the Capitals turned around and ended their preseason with a win. After scoring just four even strength goals in the previous six preseason games, the Caps matched that output in a single game.
Brett Connolly scored the game-winning goal with 4:26 to go in the third period. In his final audition for an opening-night roster spot, Devante Smith-Pelly picked up a goal and an assist. On the flip side, Tom Wilson was assessed a major for boarding and a game misconduct in the second period.
Highlights
Tom Wilson started the scoring, crashing the net and putting a rebound home.
The @tom_wilso Goal! #CapsBlues #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/WxPTqQlTq3
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 1, 2017
The Caps fell behind 2-1 before Smith-Pelly scored on another rebound from the crease, tying the score in the second period.
.@smithpelly23 working hard in the crease! #CapsBlues #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/Vbi7OC0KZU
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 1, 2017
After Brayden Schenn put the Blues up 3-2, John Carlson ventured low in the zone, backhanding a shot through St. Louis goalie Jake Allen and deadlocking the game at 3.
💪 Backhand, @JohnCarlson74! #CapsBlues #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/WpaLc0CXV7
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 1, 2017
Late in the third, Brett Connolly gave the Capitals a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
THE GWG! @bconnolly8 #CapsBlues #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/KGc2kJLqFt
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 1, 2017
Wrapping up the preseason at 2-5, the Capitals still have plenty of roster decisions to make. The team must cut at least three more players, although the team could cut four due to salary cap constraints.
The Caps open up the regular season Thursday night in Ottawa at 7:30 PM.
Headline photo: @Capitals
