The Washington Capitals have ended their losing streak at four games. While they went down early in Calgary, the Caps took control in the second and third periods, ultimately winning 3-1 on the road.
Ding dong, the streak is dead. Praise be.
- The first period was an absolute mess and made me want to, as the kids say, crash out. I was ready to go nuclear in this post, but then the Capitals really turned things around and dominated the final 40 minutes of regulation. The second period was particularly impressive as they created 18 five-on-five scoring chances and tied the game. You can still really see the obvious needs for this team, though, and that’s probably an elite even-strength goal scorer.
- Hendrix Lapierre finally scored a goal after going 90 games without one. Definitely a feel-good moment that probably sparked the locker room. Lapierre now has two goals in two games against the Flames, and his last goal before Friday night’s came on March 18, 2024, against Calgary.
- Logan Thompson was excellent against his hometown team, stopping 25 of the 26 shots he faced. According to MoneyPuck, he saved 1.41 more goals than expected. Devin Cooley was also great for Calgary, saving 1.41 more goals than expected of his own.
- Alex Ovechkin deserved a goal in this game and got one via an empty net to seal the win. The marker was the 918th of his career and 21st of this season. Overall in the game, Ovechkin skated 17:49 of ice time, fired six shots on goal, and recorded 10 total shot attempts.
- Aliaksei Protas scored the game-winning goal, his 17th of the season. According to the Capitals, Protas is one of only two players in the NHL this season with at least 17 even-strength goals and zero power-play goals. Jack Eichel (19) of the Vegas Golden Knights is the other.
- Dylan Strome won 16 of his 20 faceoffs. He has quietly become one of the top draw winners in the league. His 59.1 percent win rate ranks fifth among all centers with at least 300 faceoffs this season.
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