Another afternoon game for the Capitals, another loss. There’s something about these New York Rangers that the Capitals can’t beat, dropping their fourth straight against them.
Minus: The first line was terrible. They were the only line below 55% xGF – and they were way below, checking in at a little bit below 10%. Evgeny Kuznetsov is still trying to get to full strength after his bout with the Covid, but maybe don’t put him and Alexander Ovechkin together going forward, unless there is a speedier winger with them.
Plus: Every other line was actually really strong in that same area, ranging from just above 55% to almost 96% xGF.
More notes:
So the first have of the weekend is in the books; up next is a primetime-turned-matinee date with the Devils. Here’s hoping the Caps can shake off this bad loss – and figure out a way to win afternoon games – to get back on the winning side of things.