Takeaways: Capitals Dominate Most Of Game, But Fall To Stars

WASHINGTON — Although there were high stakes and plenty of hype heading into Thursday's matchup between the Washington Capitals and Dallas Stars, it turned out to be a low-scoring night at Capital One Arena.

Conor Sheary had the lone goal for Washington, and two quick goals from the Stars to open the third would sink the Capitals, 2-1.

Here are all the takeaways from the loss as the team's five-game winning streak comes to an end:

Washington Capitals Top Line Stays Hot, Ovechkin Gets Double Shifted

On the hunt to tie — and pass — Gordie Howe, Alex Ovechkin came into Thursday's game hungry — and his whole line was eager to make things happen from the get-go.

The Ovechkin-Strome-Sheary combination was swarming all over the place, generating high-quality chances and working hard in puck battles while looking to get their captain to his milestone mark. And, with the puck on his stick and a wide-open shooting lane, Ovechkin made a brilliant play — to get a highlight-reel assist. The 37-year-old deceived everyone, faking a one-timer and making a slap pass to a wide-open Conor Sheary to make it 1-0 and open the scoring with his 10th goal of the season.

Ovechkin is now on a five-game point streak (nine points in that span), and he still had a milestone as he passed Bobby Orr for the 70th most in NHL history (645). Meanwhile, Sheary has eight points in his last eight games and extended his point streak to three games. He's on pace to record a career-high 25 goals.

Not only did the Russian skate on the top line, but he also got time with Evgeny Kuznetsov and Anthony Mantha with Sonny Milano out due to a non-COVID illness and Aliaksei Protas getting a look at 2LW.

Although Ovechkin didn't tie Howe, he had quite a few grade-A chances in front as the top trio worked for turnovers and did what it could to impress. It paid off.

Two Quick Third-Period Goals Sink Washington Capitals

Washington played a solid first 40 minutes, dominating in shots and for the most part, shutting down the Stars. However, two unfortunate bounces led to quick back-to-back goals to open the third, which ultimately led to the 2-1 loss.

Jamie Benn broke through for Dallas just 48 seconds in the second, crashing the net and having the puck bounce his way in the crease to even the score on the power play. Just 1:19 later, Colin Miller struck when his point shot got redirected off Lars Eller's back and went past Charlie Lindgren, who had no chance.

Washington Capitals Pile On Pressure, Lindgren Has Another Strong Showing

Although the Capitals ended up falling 2-1, they still did a great job offensively. Washington outshot the Stars 45-26 and in the second period alone, had 32 shot attempts over Dallas' 10. However, Jake Oettinger was outstanding.

While the offense got its share of chances, the power play's seven-game scoring streak came to an end, as the Capitals went 0-for-2 on the man advantage.

Lindgren, despite the loss, still had another strong showing. He came up with a few big stops, was mobile and calm in the crease and maintained the consistency he's had since taking over for an injured Darcy Kuemper. He stopped 24 of 26 shots in the defeat.

Additional Washington Capitals Ice Chips

– Ovechkin led with five shots on goal. He was also honored for his 800th goal, and got an emotional tribute with some help from his son, Sergei Ovechkin.

– Dylan Strome picked up a helper on Sheary's goal and now has five assists in his last six games.