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Post-Thanksgiving two points: Caps beat Red Wings 3-1

By Chris Cerullo (@CJC_95) on November 23, 2018 | 2 Comments

Put away the leftovers for a couple minutes and follow tonight’s journey featuring the Washington Capitals and Detroit Red Wings back in action from a Thanksgiving day off. Could the Caps make it a season high four wins in a row or would the red hot, youthful Wings take the two points?

Andreas Athanasiou opened scoring off a beautiful behind the net feed from Thomas Vanek. That guy again, Tom Wilson tallied his third of the year to tie things up. Goals by Michal Kempny and Alex Ovechkin gave the Caps a two goal lead in the third.

Caps beat Red Wings 3-1!

  • The first 16 or so minutes of the first period was a masterclass by the Red Wings. They got on the board first, stymied any and all Capitals rushes, and relentlessly fired pucks at Braden Holtby. The Caps came alive towards the end of the frame and should have had the game at least tied up heading into the first intermission after Madison Bowey hit the crossbar and Michal Kempny missed a wide open net.
  • Andreas HiNiceToMeetYou seems to score in literally every game the Red Wings play against the Capitals. At this point, I feel like he even went back in time and added an extra goal against the Caps in 1998.
  • Your regular reminder that Mike Green was robbed of multiple Norris Trophies as a Cap. And yes, he did play defense Facebook commenters. Green being happy for his buddies Ovi and Nicky warms my cold, Capitals heart.
  • Happy birthday to the greatest center in Washington Capitals history! Love you, Nicky!

  • The Wings had less volume in the second period, but I think their chances overall were more dangerous as they had more than a few semi-breakaways for Holts to deal with. The Caps didn’t really follow up the torrid pace that they ended the first with and were shutout on a couple power plays.
  • Tom Wilson scored again. Big Willy now has three goals and eight points in six games to start his 2018-19 campaign. Top line Tom is producing and producing often.
  • Alan May cannot pronounce Athanasiou.

  • The moment of silence before the game honoring those who have fought or are currently fighting cancer was awesome.
  • Michal Kempny redeemed his earlier open net miss with a blast from the point aided by a perfect Devante Smith-Pelly screen. He then was head butted by Travis Boyd in the celebration and forced to the locker room for some repairs. He returned just fine.
  • Caps power play went scoreless in three opportunities. Chances were created, but none converted.
  • Braden Holtby was fantastic in this game, but don’t let that distract you from the fact that the Caps are the worst team in the league at scoring when their opposition has an empty net.
  • Third period was the Caps best period as they beat Jonathan Bernier twice and limited the Wings rush ability with great gap control and neutral zone stinginess.

Next up, it’s an immediate trip out to the Big Apple as the Caps get started on their Dad’s trip with a match up against the division rival New York Rangers. Early afternoon-ish start tomorrow!

Full RMNB Coverage of Caps vs Red Wings

Headline photo: NBC Sports Washington

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