The Washington Capitals opened up their 2026 preseason schedule with a 3-2 shootout loss to the Boston Bruins on Sunday evening. The Capitals assembled a mixed roster of some veteran mainstays, recent draft picks, and minor-league depth, with number-one goalie Logan Thompson in net.
Jonny Brodzinski, one of the club’s depth adds during free agency, opened the scoring for the Capitals just after a first-period five-on-three power play expired. After the Bruins tied the game in the second period via a Jake Schmaltz tally, the Caps retook the lead with a net-front scramble goal credited to Ivan Miroshnichenko.
Jonny Brodzinski goal (via @capitals/X)
Ivan Miroshnichenko goal (via @capitals/X)
Washington held that lead until 1:43 remained in regulation, when the Bruins tied the game with an extra attacker on the ice. The Capitals then continued their shootout woes from last season, failing to score on any of their three attempts, while Thompson allowed James Hagens to score for Boston.
Observations
- If you were expecting a very sleepy, rusty start to the preseason, that’s exactly what you received. Only 37:15 of the game was played at five-on-five, and the two teams combined for just 63 total five-on-five shot attempts. The Bruins owned the majority of the big chances when the contest was played at even strength, creating 2.19 expected goals to Washington’s 1.5.
- The Capitals went 0-for-7 on the power play in the loss. They didn’t have either of the full units that they’ve practiced with, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t getting some terrible flashbacks. The hope is that head coach Spencer Carbery and new assistant coach Ray Bennett get things moving in the right direction after what felt like an utterly disastrous 2025-26 campaign whenever the Caps went up a man.
- Logan Thompson made 28 saves on 30 shots faced in his first exhibition appearance of the year. He looked sharp, only getting beat by a bang-bang play in front of the net and a screened slap shot from the point. Thompson played in three preseason games last year, but will have less chance to see game action given the shortened schedule this year.
- Ivan Miroshnichenko picked up a goal in what is an incredibly important preseason for him, as he is no longer waiver-exempt. Miro skated 13:52 of ice time in the loss, also picked up an assist on Brodzinski’s goal, and fired a team-high six shots on goal and 11 total shot attempts.
- The likely new fourth line of Boone Jenner, Justin Sourdif, and Anthony Beauvillier put together a few impressive shifts. They cooled as the game went on, but they drew both penalties that led to the early, extended five-on-three advantage Brodzinski basically scored on. Jenner (4:51) and Sourdif (5:33) saw a whole host of penalty-killing responsibilities, combining for 10:24 of shorthanded ice time.
- Didn’t feel like Cole Hutson had his A-game back on defense in this one. He was directly at fault for Boston’s first goal and couldn’t find his typical rhythm moving the puck and moving his feet. However, he also didn’t get a single offensive-zone start, so his deployment was a bit off.
The Capitals will be right back on the ice for more preseason action on Monday night. The Caps are headed up to Hershey, Pennsylvania, to play at Giant Center for a second straight preseason. They’ll be hosting the Philadelphia Flyers.
