Capitals’ 2012 sixth-round pick, Riley Barber, is well on his way to having a career best season.

On Friday, Barber scored his 27th goal of the season, passing his previous career high of 26 set in 2015-16.

Barber’s 27th tally also ties him for fourth in goals this season in the AHL.

Game highlights

Lucas Johansen tied the game late in the 3rd period, but we drop a 3-2 shootout decision to the Providence Bruins. Here are the S&T Bank Game Highlights #HBH pic.twitter.com/ZqEyhRq0te

— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) March 9, 2019

Barber’s goal opened the scoring of the game at the end of the first period. As Aaron Ness was challenged for the puck behind the net, he made a pass up the slot to Barber who was left alone.

Devante Smith-Pelly recorded an assist on Barber’s goal as well as the game-tying tally by Lucas Johansen in the third period, marking his second and third assists as a Bear.

The Bears would end up falling to the Providence Bruins 3-2 in the shootout. This loss broke a string of five consecutive shootout wins that date back to January 23.

Meanwhile, Barber has been the most consistent goalscorer on the Bears this season. He notched his second career hat trick two weeks ago and had a two-goal appearance last week.

At the NHL level, Barber has played in three games with the Capitals in his four years in the organization. He was called up in December after TJ Oshie was injured, but did not appear in a game.

Header photo: Cara Bahniuk