Photo: X/@Capitals
It was another character win for the Washington Capitals as they defeated the New York Rangers in the first game of a home-and-home set, 3-2. The Capitals were down 2-1 heading into the final frame, but a push in the third period gave them the much-needed two points.
There’s been a big learning curve with systems and guy’s individual play. A lot of cold streaks if you will. And I think through all that we’re starting to develop a little bit of resiliency that really goes a long way down the stretch here when everyone is fighting for every point,” T.J. Oshie said. “It was a mature win for us.”
The Caps did a much better job at moving up ice as a collective unit and played an overall solid game despite a lapse in the second period. Washington handed the Rangers their fourth straight loss
Here is what stood out.
T.J. Oshie and New Makeshift Top Line Buzzing
With Alex Ovechkin missing the game due to a lower-body injury, Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery put together a makeshift top line of Oshie, Max Pacioretty and Dylan Strome. They were the Caps’ best line offensively and did a lot of the dirty work in the offensive zone.
“Everybody’s got to do a little bit more. [We had to] slot some guys in some different situations, specifically power play,” Carbery said. “I thought that line was real good today. I thought they were strong for us. They had some really good sequences where they just missed in the third period. [In the] first period they had a couple of really good looks.”
Oshie in particular stood out in that trio. He was terrific in front of the net getting after rebounds and also forcing turnovers. Along with his game-winning goal, he led the team with five scoring chances and four shots on goal.
Not only did T.J. Oshie net the game winner, he moved into sole possession of 10th on the @Capitals all-time goals list.#NHLStats: https://t.co/gCU8UtYGp5 pic.twitter.com/k2KR6AWv1b
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) January 13, 2024
There was also a turnover that he forced in the second period which led to an extended offensive zone shift for the Caps. Oshie and his other linemates were outstanding at getting into the interior of the ice, which is something the Caps have struggled with throughout the season.
“[Pacioretty] and myself are obviously two guys who really like to get into the net. So when those shots were coming through we had some guys there,” Oshie said. “We’re happy with the one, [but] maybe felt like we could have had two or three, but it’s nice to get that chemistry rolling with those two guys.”
The trio finished the game with nine scoring chances and six shots on goal. Three of those scoring chances were high-danger.
Charlie Lindgren Keeps The Caps Alive
Charlie Lindgren was spectacular in his first start since Dec. 29, after sustaining an upper-body injury early in the game against the New York Islanders. He had been dealing with back spasms, but didn’t seem to have any rust in his game. Once the Capitals took the lead, they gave the Rangers zero room to operate.
“I felt like I really started to settle in towards the end of the first period. Second period, third period, I felt good the rest of the game,” Lindgren said. “I thought we did a really good job of just making sure our guys know who they have and not losing coverage. That’s what we got to do against a team like that.”
The Capitals netminder came up with a couple of flashy saves throughout the game. Whether it was going to the splits or flashing the leather, Lindgren was once again bailing out his team whenever there was a breakdown.
Lindgren finished the game with 25 saves on 27 shots and improved to 15-8-3 on the campaign.
Penalty Kill Perfection
The Capitals penalty kill was a perfect 3-for-3 against the league’s best power play. The Rangers had a difficult time getting to the danger areas of the ice because of how well the Caps clogged the middle of the ice.
On New York’s second power play of the game, the Capitals did not allow a single shot on goal and only let three shots get to Lindgren.
The penalty kill has seen its fair share of struggles as of late, so keeping the league’s best man-advantage unit off the scoresheet should be a big momentum boost.
Notable Numbers and Observations
- Anthony Mantha’s seven-game goal drought is over. Connor McMichael sent him on a breakaway with by far the prettiest pass of the season. Looked like Nicklas Backstrom with that saucer pass. Mantha has scored in all three games against the Rangers
- The Capitals’ power play was 0-for-3. They had zero shots on goal on all three
- The Caps had 12 high-danger chances.
- Even though Nick Jensen struggled, he had a huge diving poke check in the second period which kept the game at bay.
- Dylan Strome led the team with four blocks
- The Capitals blocked 22 shots
The Caps will travel to the Big Apple to conclude the season series with the Rangers.
By Jacob Cheris
