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Seven straight: numbers for the morning after

The Washington Capitals have extended their winning streak to seven games now, beating the Winnipeg Jets 3-1.

The Jets out-shot the Caps 34 to 18.

  • I don’t think the shot disparity really tells the whole story of this game. I felt like it was much more even at five-on-five and the Caps did a good job shutting down the Jets star players as the game got late.
  • Nicklas Backstrom scored his 18th goal of the season in the first period to give the Caps a 1-0 lead. That goal extended Backstrom’s goal scoring streak to three games.
  • John Carlson recorded an assist on Backstrom’s goal, giving him 50 apples total on the season. He is only the third Capitals defensemen in franchise history to record back-to-back 50 assist seasons. The first two were Scott Stevens (1986-89) and Larry Murphy (1986-88).

  • The 2nd line was the clear best line for the Caps on the night. They weren’t on the ice for a Jets high danger chance against and led the Caps in five-on-five shot attempt percentage and scoring chance for percentage. However, I think some shifting around needs to go down within the Caps top six. The current first line is just not optimal defensively right now.
  • Great night from the Caps penalty kill unit as they blanked the Jets powerful power play, once even with an extended five-on-three. Pheonix Copley played a big part in that, great game from him overall as well. Now, stay out of the damn box.
  • Caps rest atop the Metro Division and their next match up comes against the Pittsburgh Penguins who are currently in third. As of right now, five Metro teams would make the playoffs.

Numbers thanks to Hockey-reference.com and NaturalStatTrick.com.

Full RMNB Coverage of Caps at Jets

Headline photo: Patrick McDermott

RMNB is not associated with the Washington Capitals; Monumental Sports, the NHLPA, the NHL, or its properties. Not even a little bit.

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