The 2023-24 Washington Capitals are just a win away from the playoffs thanks to a dominant performance over the Boston Bruins on Monday night. The Capitals, just as they did against the Tampa Bay Lightning, saved one of their best efforts for last.
One game left, folks.
- The Capitals’ performance on Monday night was straight-up masterful. Since Spencer Carbery tweaked his system midseason to make up for some of what the Capitals lack on their roster, I think this was legitimately the best they’ve executed his game plan. The Bruins had just eight total shots on goal through 40 minutes. Boston finished with just 16 shots and only had two games this season with 20 or fewer shots and both came against the Capitals.
- On top of that, the Bruins have only been shut out twice this entire season and both of those came at the hands of Charlie Lindgren. Lindgren now has six shutouts this year which is tied for the NHL lead. Per Capitals PR, his 11 wins since March 7 are also the most in the NHL in that span.
- The game-winning goal and only goal scored on a goaltender in the game came off of John Carlson’s stick. Carlson’s tally was the 10th of his season, giving him double-digit goal totals in eight of his 15 years with the Capitals. Of those 10 goals, five have been game-winners which is tied for the team lead with Alex Ovechkin and Dylan Strome.
The Capitals allowed 16 shots against tonight, the fewest shots the team has allowed in a single game this season.
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) April 16, 2024
- Really great night from Dylan Strome’s line that also included Aliaksei Protas and Tom Wilson. With them on the ice at five-on-five, the Capitals posted positive differentials in shot attempts (+11), scoring chances (+6), and high-danger chances (+4). They didn’t give up a single Boston high-danger chance during those minutes and were on the ice when Carlson scored his goal.
- Dylan Strome reached the 40-assist mark in a second consecutive season with the Capitals on that goal. Remember how Brian MacLellan got him for free? Do the Chicago Blackhawks have any more free handouts?
- If you’re looking for the scenarios and such that will get the Capitals in the playoffs tomorrow night, Ian has you covered. Simply put though, just root for a win and two points of any kind.
Numbers thanks to Hockey-reference.com and NaturalStatTrick.com.
