Connect with us

Capitals Takeaways

Takeaways: More Adversity, Weak Third Sink Capitals vs. Vegas

Published

1 year ago

on

Washington Capitals Charlie Lindgren

WASHINGTON — Battling multiple injuries and adversity, the Washington Capitals ran into even more adversity on Tuesday against the Vegas Golden Knights, losing another forward to injury and having a few scares, too.

They played through it to their best ability, and despite strong nights from Charlie Lindgren and Dylan Strome, a weak third led to a 3-2 OT loss to Vegas.

“Not enough press, too many chances against,” Laviolette said of the third period.

Here are all the takeaways from the defeat:

Charlie Lindgren Comes Up Big, But Washington Capitals Step Off Gas

It was a strong home debut for Charlie Lindgren, who pulled out several stops in his first game at Capital One Arena. The 28-year-old had a couple of ten-bell saves, including a huge one on a 2-on-1 early in the first period to shut down Jonathan Marchessault.

While he fought through several chances and rallied to keep the Capitals in the lead late, Washington stepped off the gas and got dominated in the final frame. The team ultimately surrendered the game-tying goal to William Carrier in the dying minutes of regulation, and Jack Eichel’s trickery led to a Shea Theodore overtime winner.

Lindgren finished with 28 saves on 31 shots in the loss.

”It’s extra frustrating just because I thought we played well enough to get the two points, especially on the back end of a back-to-back against a really good team,” Lindgren said. “We put ourselves in a really good spot. And I think that’s what stings the most, is knowing that we were really close to getting two.”

Dylan Strome Strong As Johansson, TVR Strike

After scoring on Monday, Strome came up big again, as he drove a lot of the play in the offensive zone, generated pressure and assisted on both of Washington’s goals.

Marcus Johansson struck early on the power play, finishing off a tic-tac-toe passing play in the bumper spot from Strome and Alex Ovechkin to make it 1-0.

The Capitals power play now has seven goals in its last eight games.

Then, with the game tied 1-1, Strome won a draw and got the puck back to Trevor van Riemsdyk, who rocketed home a shot from the point for his first of the season and first in 42 games dating back to Jan. 28, 2022.

Washington Capitals Lose Beck Malenstyn To Injury

The Capitals can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to injuries, and now, replacement Beck Malenstyn is dealing with an upper-body ailment.

Malenstyn made a huge play in the opening period, sacrificing the body and sliding across for a huge shot block. As he went down, the puck appeared to hit him in the arm or hand. He was slow to get up and was doubled over. He went down the tunnel shortly after and did not return.

Joe Snively slotted in on the fourth line from that point forward.

He joins an already lengthy list of injured Capitals, including forwards T.J. Oshie, Connor Brown, Nicklas Backstrom, Tom Wilson and Carl Hagelin and defenseman John Carlson.

Additional Washington Capitals Ice Chips

  • Ovechkin extended his point streak to three games. He is two points shy of having the 18th most points in NHL history.
  • Garnet Hathaway also went down the tunnel after going down hard int he third period but returned shortly after to finish the game.
  • John Carlson missed his second game with a day-to-day lower-body injury.
Related Topics: