The Washington Capitals picked up a crucial regulation victory over the New York Islanders on Monday night. With the big 4-1 win, they are just two points out of third place in the Metropolitan Division.
Not the cleanest game of all time, but one they badly needed. You’ll take that every time.
- I didn’t love the first period from the Capitals, but outside of that, I think they were just “fine” from a process standpoint. In the last two periods at five-on-five, they outshot the Islanders 15-13, but New York still maintained an advantage in scoring chances 18-17 and high-danger chances 8-6. I didn’t really think the Isles were that great, but neither were the Caps, and at the end of the day, the team that picked up the two points is all that really matters. Especially, in a somewhat high-stakes one like this.
- Spectacular night from Clay Stevenson in net. He made 29 stops on 30 shots in his second career win, saving, per MoneyPuck, 1.87 more goals than expected. That one 2-on-1 shorthanded save he made was one of the best any Capitals goalie has made this season. I know the math doesn’t support it, but I would go right back to him in Philadelphia tonight.
- John Carlson potted the empty netter to seal the win, which gave him 10 goals on the season. The Capitals now have 10 players who have reached the 10-goal mark this season, which is the most among all NHL teams. The other nine are Alex Ovechkin (22), Tom Wilson (22), Jakob Chychrun (19), Aliaksei Protas (18), Dylan Strome (16), Justin Sourdif (12), Anthony Beauvillier (11), Ethen Frank (11), and Ryan Leonard (10).
- Nic Dowd had a two-point night in what was his 500th career game as a member of the Capitals. He has been the team’s leader on the ice during this little winning streak, chipping in offense and laying the body.
- Hendrix Lapierre was very noticeable in a good way and was rewarded with the most ice time (8:42) he has played in the last five games. He finished the game with one shot on goal, two hits, and one shot block.
- The Capitals are somehow playing the Flyers for the first time this season tonight. Philly has lost four games in a row and won just two of their last 10. That needs to be two more points for the Capitals, even if the Flyers are coming into the game rested. Overall, the Caps have won six games in a row against Philadelphia.
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