Takeaways: Mantha, Power Play & What To Know From Capitals First Win Of Year

WASHINGTON — Prior to puck drop on Saturday, the Washington Capitals shook things up, looking to ignite a spark and stop the bleeding after back-to-back losses to open the season. It worked, as the team saw its special teams break through in a tight 3-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens.

T.J. Oshie had a goal and assist, while Anthony Mantha and Conor Sheary each scored their second goal of the season.

Here are the takeaways and more from the victory:

Mantha Off To Exact Start Washington Capitals Wanted To See

Mantha had a rough go of it last year, as what would have been his first full season in Washington was interrupted by a shoulder injury that held him out for four months. Entering this season, the 27-year-old wants to stay healthy and finally play a full 82-game campaign in the District, and also show the Capitals that he is a top-6, regular contributor. So far, he’s off to a good start.

After scoring in the season opener, Mantha added his second of the season in what would be a three-goal second period for Washington on Saturday. No. 39 is getting to the front of the net, engaging physically, winning battles and showcasing his shot and talent on offense. That’s exactly what the team has wanted to see from him, and exactly what he’s hoped to bring to the table.

“My goal was to have a good year and obviously not trailing a couple games and kind of trying to find your game… I just had to wake up in the second and third [against Montreal] and I think I helped the team win,” Mantha said.

With two goals in three games, it looks like the 6-5 forward is finding a lot of chemistry with the talent around him. The team will need that going forward, as they look for chemistry and talent to shine through with Tom Wilson and Nicklas Backstrom out long-term.

“It would be huge for us. Mo, he’s such a presence on the ice,” Oshie said of his teammate. “If he stays healthy, I expect him to be on the scoresheet quite a bit. He’s a big player for our team and really helps us with having some size up front with Tommy out of the lineup for a little bit. Helps us with skill with Nick being out for a little bit. He’s a big part of our team, when he’s healthy, he’s going for us.”

Power Play Breaks Through, Special Teams Sparks Washington Capitals

It was something of a slow first period for the Capitals, and after going down 1-0 early in the second of Saturday’s tilt, the team needed to bounce back. And strangely, it was a strong penalty kill that led to Washington breaking out.

Following a standout showing on the PK that also gave the team quite a few high-danger chances, Conor Sheary opened the scoring right out of the box to tie the game. That momentum carried over into the rest of the frame, as Mantha scored shortly after. Then, on their 10th power play of the season, the Capitals finally broke through.

An Alex Ovechkin shot led to a rebound in front, and Oshie crashed the net and stayed with the puck to bury a PPG past Sam Montembeault. Ovechkin’s assist marked his first point of the season, and Dylan Strome also had a helper while working the half wall, his second of the year.

Strome looked good conducting the play in an area where Evgeny Kuznetsov usually is. However, the lack of success led to a change, as Strome took over for Kuznetsov on the half wall while Marcus Johansson drew in for No. 92, and ultimately, it paid off. Oshie said it also gave the group a major push forward.

“It really doesn’t matter what situation you’re in, but especially on the power play, being able to move the puck crisp and see plays and anticipating plays happening,” Oshie said. “That was a nice little confidence boost for us. Our standard is 25 percent and above, so obviously we’re not there yet. But a good step in the right direction.”

Oshie Also Appears To Be In Top Form For Washington Capitals

After dealing with a myriad of injuries last season — and a bit in the preseason — Oshie is off to a great start to the 2022-23 campaign. He has three points in three games and is all over the ice, getting to those tight areas, battling hard for pucks and generating pressure. He started on the third line with Marcus Johansson and Lars Eller, but moved up to that second line with Anthony Mantha and Evgeny Kuznetsov.

The 35-year-old, if healthy, will be a huge part of Washington’s success, too. Like Mantha, he will have to step up with Wilson and Backstrom out, and his energy is contagious on and off the ice. And, as of right now, nothing’s holding him back.

So far, No. 77 doesn’t appear to have anything holding him back. He finally helped ignite the power play, giving the Capitals their first PPG in 10 attempts to open 2022-23.

Washington Capitals Fourth Line On Fire

The Capitals are also getting a lot from its fourth line. With Carl Hagelin out long-term after hip surgery, Sheary has taken to skating with Nic Dowd and Garnet Hathaway. The trio has generated a lot of pressure in the offensive zone, and have also gotten three of the team’s first seven goals of the season.

It is a good sign, especially with head coach Peter Laviolette expecting all four lines to go out and produce.

“We need everybody contributing. I talked about that earlier, everybody’s gotta be pulling their own weight,” Laviolette said. “Conor, he’s been really good in the games so far, so has Nic and his line. That line has been good and Shears has been good on that line. They can control play, they’re good defensively and when they chip in offensively, that’s a good sign.”

More Washington Capitals Ice Chips

• Darcy Kuemper captured his first win for Washington, stopping 21 of 22 shots (.952 save percentage). He appeared much more confident and sharper post game.
• Alex Ovechkin led the team with six shots and also appeared to have his first of the season. However, it was ruled offside. This is the first time since the 2012-13 lockout season that he’s been held without a goal through the first three games of the year.