The Carolina Hurricanes were annoying to play against even when they were bad, now that they are good it’s even worse. They booted the Capitals out of the playoffs last year and won the first two games of the season. But the Capitals held on for a strong road win in regulation against the annoying Canes.
Plus: Samsonov. He was stellar all game, facing 41 shots and stopping 38. It’s going to be hard to go back to Braden Holtby after the great play of Samsonov.
Minus: Penalties. It’s always penalties. Don’t know what the remedy is but penalties are just killing the Capitals every night. They took six tonight and two ended up in the back of the net. But it’s been the story for the Capitals all season: killing their momentum by taking penalties. It’s not just giving the other team a prime chance to score but it hinders any 5v5 game from getting going. And with how potent the Capitals offense is, it’s a real handicap to always throw off their rhythm.
Ten more notes on the game:
So the Caps snap a two-game losing streak and get their first win in four tries over the ‘Canes – and now return home to prepare for the visiting Sharks on Sunday.