The Washington Capitals took down the Carolina Hurricanes in both teams’ first game back from their short Christmas break. The Caps two goal second period powered them to an eventual 3-1 victory over their Metro division foe.
The Caps out-shot the Canes 33 to 29, but were out-attempted at five-on-five 49 to 41.
- The Caps have received outstanding goaltending from both of their netminders over the past three fixtures. Braden Holtby and Pheonix Copley have combined to stop 99 of the 101 shots sent their way in those games.
- Special teams has been an issue for the Caps of late so it was nice to see them both score on the power play and kill off all four of Carolina’s man advantage opportunities. Baby steps.
- Alex Ovechkin and Tom Wilson haven’t scored a goal in like forever compared to how they were rolling prior. This bullet’s purpose is purely to put goal scoring vibes out there for both wingers.
- Caps prospect Alexander Alexeyev had a primary assist in Russia’s 4-0 win over Denmark in this year’s World Junior Classic. I have some short, simple analysis on Alex Alex’s play in the first two periods of that game on my Twitter if you are so inclined to read more. I liked what I saw.
- The boys shouldn’t get too comfortable atop the Metro Division standings as the Blue Jackets, Penguins, and Islanders are all hitting hot streaks at the moment. The Jackets in particular are now only two points back from the Caps (Caps have a game in hand).
- My take on the Matt Niskanen situation is that it was a good no call on the penalty front. I desperately hope that Matt is okay, but I saw a terrible coincidence of poorly timed happenings rather than purposeful malice. All in all, the only thing that matters is that he comes out of that ugly play healthy.
Numbers thanks to Hockey-reference.com, NaturalStatTrick.com, and Corsica.hockey.
Full RMNB Coverage of Caps vs Hurricanes
Headline photo: Patrick McDermott
