The Washington Capitals roused themselves from an endless slumber (four days) to visit the Columbus Blue Jackets with a chance to extend their road win streak to ten games. They did, but it was a struggle.
In the second period, Zach Werenski, on one of Columbus’s many power plays, beat Charlie Lindgren with a screened shot from the slot.
Aliaksei Protas tied it 31 seconds into the third period, capping off a gorgeous passing sequence with Dubois and Chychrun that started way back in the Caps’ zone.
Two goals in regulation is all we got, so we headed to overtime, where Aliaksei Protas recorded his second goal of the night, the game-winner.
Caps win!
- Nic Dowd committed two high-sticking penalties, both in the second period, about four minutes apart. Both were valid calls. You can’t deny it: our man has a penalty problem. I can’t crunch the numbers until after the game is done, but I think he’s now in or at least near the top ten among forwards in minor penalty rate.
- But Dowd wasn’t alone. The Capitals had penalty problems with Fehervary, Chychrun, and TVR. The team did well to defend during those PKs, getting beat only once, which I suppose speaks to Charlie Lindgren‘s strength. He had some big saves in this one, particularly in the third.
- So the team has yet to give up a goal during three-on-five play. They depose Toronto for second place in minutes played down two dudes without allowing a goal; only Edmonton has more.
- From the out-of-town scoreboard, sponsored by some insurance company probably, check out this release by Connor Bedard:
- At the other end of the ice was 23-year-old rookie Jet Greaves, playing in his 11th game ever. He was amazing, especially in the first period as the Caps challenged him early and often. Alas, one day he’ll go on the list. Maybe Saturday, April 12. Pencil it in.
- In a game light on highlights, here’s Rasmus Sandin – whose having a beautiful season – wrecking a dude.
- That was a relatively unpleasant game, with lots of whistles and beefed passes and whimsical pucks. Though I suppose that reveals two things: 1) that it felt even better when Pierre-Luc Dubois set up Aliaksei Protas with the smoothest play of the night, and also 2) that even a choppy Caps game in 2024-25 beats almost anything they did in 2023-24. Life is good.
- Columbus controlled play to start overtime until the big OTGWG from Pro, the hottest scorer in the NHL, probably, I’m not checking.
OLD LADY FROM TITANIC: It's been 84 years…#joebsuitofthenight pic.twitter.com/bKXOCMCn3l
— RMNB (@rmnb) December 12, 2024
Low-scoring rhymes with boring but I guess they’re not the same thing. Really, I’m just spoiled by what the team has given me so far. I’ll shut up and let Chris deliver the actual insight tomorrow morning.
Hosting the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday night. They’re 2-5-3 in their last ten. Gotta keep racking up standings points.
