Capitals vs. Stars live updates: Jason Robertson’s hat trick dooms Washington in 6-5 loss despite furious comeback attempt

Game information/links

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Game preview

The Washington Capitals (8-5-0) are back at Capital One Arena Tuesday night, looking to bounce back from their loss to the Minnesota Wild when they host the Dallas Stars (8-5-1) during Election Night in America.

Washington has struggled against Western Conference opponents early this season, losing three of its first four cross-conference matchups. Things won’t get any easier against Dallas, which has won eight of its last nine meetings with the Capitals, outscoring them 26-16 during that stretch. The Stars have also won six of their last seven visits to Capital One Arena.

Dallas enters the matchup with an 8-5-1 record, good for fourth place in the competitive Central Division. The Stars last played on Halloween, defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1, but have dropped two of their last three games overall.

“They’re one of the stingiest teams defensively,” Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said of Dallas after the morning skate. “They make you have to work. Their D are extremely good with their sticks. They close well. They take away time and space.”

“It’s another good test for us,” he added.

The Capitals will have Timothy Liljegren available after the Swedish defenseman missed Monday’s practice for maintenance. Washington is also expected to make a small adjustment to its forward lines, with Justin Sourdif and Ilya Protas switching places.

Logan Thompson will tart in net, with Charlie Lindgren serving as his backup. Newly acquired goaltender Remi Poirier will be a healthy scratch as the Capitals continue carrying three netminders for a reason not yet revealed.

One player to watch on the Dallas side is Roope Hintz, who has recorded a point in eight consecutive games against Washington, totaling seven goals and four assists. Meanwhile, Thompson will be looking for a milestone of his own: one more victory would move him past Pat Riggin for eighth place on the Capitals’ all-time wins list.

Puck drop is set for 7 pm. Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin have the call. The game is airing on Monumental Sports Network.

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Lines

Washington Capitals

Dallas Stars

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Goaltending matchup

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Tunnel shenanigans

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1st Period

A. Protas-Dubois-Wilson and Chychrun-Roy get the start for the Caps.

Puck is dropped.

Capitals are dominating early in the first five minutes but don’t have a shot on goal yet. Nor do the Stars.

Harley puts a rimmed around puck immediately on net where Faksa, wide open, catches it just outside the crease and tries to tuck it under Thompson. Kiviranta finds the rebound behind Thompson and taps it in.

Ilya Protas draws a penalty as he skates the puck into the offensive zone. Caps go to their first power play of the night. Dallas has killed 27 straight power plays.

Jakob Chychrun loses his skate blade and needs help to be pushed off the ice. That’s the best way to describe the start of this man advantage.

Alex Tuch nearly scores a buzzer beater.

At intermission: The Stars lead 1-0. Caps lead in shots 6-5.

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2nd Period

Puck is dropped.

Double drop pass leads to a two-on-one and Jason Robertson scores on the power play.

Capitals have now surrendered a power-play goal in eight of the last nine games.

At five-on-five, Robertson jumps around a Jakob Chychrun check, and fires a sneaky, pinpoint shot to the top corner, beating Thompson easily.

Roy’s backhander hits the post, then Oettinger falls backward and does a snow angel to keep it from going over the goal line. Just that kind of night for the Caps.

Robertson scores from the point. He just scored a hat trick in less than six minutes of the second period. Three goals in four shots. It’s the seventh hat trick of his career.

And here comes Charlie Lindgren. Thompson is pulled after giving up four goals on 11 shots.

Hutson’s shot hits Dylan Strome just outside the crease, sending him to the ice in pain. Jordan Kyrou finds the rebound and scores on the power play. Weird one, but the Caps will take it!

Rantanen’s shot deflects off traffic, then hits the literal tape knob of Charlie Lindgren’s goalie stick and goes in. WTF.

At intermission: The Stars lead 5-3. The Stars lead in shots 18-13.

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3rd Period

Puck is dropped.

Hintz sends a backhand that goes off Martin Fehervary and in. Just that kind of night.

An Anthony Beauvillier shot hits Justin Sourdif who’s deep in the crease. The puck then bounces forward off Jake Oettinger, hits him in the back, and then re-bounces into the net. I think in a different situation Dallas may have challenged that one.

Charlie Lindgren is pulled for an extra attacker with about 3 minutes remaining.

A pulled-goalie goal – the Capitals’ first of the year. Ryan Leonard just straight up beats Oettinger from the left circle, going to the top corner short-side. It’s a one-goal game now.

The Caps made a comeback, and it was fun for about a minute, but if we’re being honest with ourselves, this one was never in doubt.

Caps lose 6-5.

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