Great goaltending and clutch penalty kill lead Capitals back to winning ways: numbers for the morning after

The Washington Capitals got back into the win column on Sunday night. After a rough shootout loss to the Anaheim Ducks in California, the Capitals returned home and blanked the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-0 at Capital One Arena.

Great few weeks from the Caps. Now, get healthy.

• This was a true goalie duel as the five-on-five stats for each team were nearly identical. Columbus finished ahead in shot attempts (47-44) and expected goals (2.37-2.24), while the Capitals finished on top in scoring chances (23-17). The high-danger chances were split right down the middle, 10 each. Great performance from a weary and banged-up Capitals bunch.
• Logan Thompson was superb, stopping all 39 shots he faced in his first shutout of the season. According to MoneyPuck, Thompson saved 3.0 more goals than expected, while his counterpart at the other end, Jet Greaves, saved 3.64 more goals than expected. With the win, Thompson also became the 17th goaltender in NHL history to reach 100 wins in 170 games or fewer.
• Both special teams units were also great for the Capitals, with the power play creating 2.43 expected goals on their own despite not registering a goal on four attempts. The penalty kill had a more obvious positive impact, shutting the door on a four-minute Columbus power play in the third period.

• Jakob Chychrun scored again, giving him 11 goals and extending his league lead among all defensemen to two goals. Chychrun has three goals in three games against the Blue Jackets this season.
• Another fantastic night from Tom Wilson, who provided the primary assist on Chychrun’s game-winning goal. Wilson, who now has 32 points (17g, 15a) in 30 games this season, also fired six shots on goal, recorded six individual high-danger chances, threw three hits, and blocked one shot.
• I thought Ethen Frank had a great night as well, getting 17:04 of ice time from Spencer Carbery. Frank, promoted to the top power play unit with Ryan Leonard out injured, had three shots on goal, two individual high-danger chances, and three hits. He also drew two penalties.