Plus: After having a rough outing in Detroit (where he was hung out to dry), Charlie Lindgren looked great making some key saves. You always worry about a goalie mentality after being buried but Charlie responded magnificently.
Minus: With the season on the line the Caps looked pretty damn lifeless in the first period. That’s never a good sign. Sometimes it happens with a couple day break to find your legs. Either way, it wasn’t pretty and luckily they responded.
Key Moment: When you need a turnaround, look no further than your captain. As the Caps looked lifeless, Ovechkin ripped his 17th off the faceoff, starting a five-straight goal run for the Capitals.
Caps Player of the Game: It’s hard not to be happy for Hendrix Lapierre. He got to center his childhood hero and put up two assists in the process. Another solid night for the kid.
Final Thoughts: I bet Brian MacLellan was calling all the teams he has trades lined up with after that first period…but the Caps’ players told him to hang up and took over the game after that. Whether they end up selling or not, it’s awesome to see the Caps battling every night. It bodes well for the future.
How odd was it seeing Wilson and Hathaway fight. We always see them as friends but when the puck hits the ice it’s a different game. I’m sure they’ll hug it out after. Even though Hathaway is a great guy and will be loved in DC, it’s always great to see a Flyer on the ice.