Plus: Tied up at two in the third, the Caps were given an extended five-on-three power play – one that felt bigger than just that moment, and absolutely essential that they get at least one goal. They did just that, with John Carlson scoring his 150th career goal. Go, Johnny, go!
Minus: There is nothing scarier than seeing a player laid out on the ice and seemingly unconscious, and unfortunately that’s what happened in this one, with Nick Jensen taking a hit that flung him into the boards. Jensen was stretchered off and reportedly seems to be okay, which is amazing news, but it was a pretty horrifying moment. No call on the play, either – the hit itself wasn’t an issue but the timing of it and the defenselessness of Jensen…probably could have been a minor.
Key Moment: Just a huge, huge goal.
Caps Player of the Game: Another big game for Sonny Milano, who let the Hustle ring out in Capital One twice with his multigoal performance…but this one goes to Nic Dowd, who dropped the mitts in defense of a teammate and then scored an insurance goal to seal the victory. Way to step up big time, Judy.
Final Thoughts: One of the better team efforts for the Caps in recent memory, which is exactly what was needed to take down a reinvigorated Tampa team and stay alive in the playoff race. More of that in the final two games, please.
And sending healing thoughts to Nick Jensen <3