There’s no question that the Capitals are struggling big time right now, but last night was a sign that not all of their struggles are self-inflicted.
…okay, yes, a lot of them are. They’re still making bad mistakes that cost them (‘sup with that turnover, TvR?) and the power play is looking as anemic as ever and all of this was happening against a Habs team that is struggling about the same as the Caps right now.
But they’re also having horrible luck on the chances they’re generating – which, for the first time last night, was actually a significant amount – and there’s nothing to do when that kind of scoring slump takes over than to ride it out. Good on Dylan Strome (and his poor, bruised face) and the top line for digging deep in the third period and finally finding the back of the net, thereby salvaging a point while also avoiding what would have been a pretty embarrassing shutout.
Three Takeaways:
- Here’s a small positive for you, if you need one – a lot of the team’s big names had, if not a phenomenal all-around game, at least moments of good sprinkled throughout the game. Some obviously more than others, and this was probably Alex Ovechkin’s best game of the season so far, but nice to see at least signs of life from the guys making the big bucks.
- Connor McMichael has somewhat quietly put together a solid start to his season. He hasn’t looked out of place much and is generating some great chances around the net. If he can start burying some of those, it’ll be good for all involved.
- Too many penalties taken, but after giving up the first power-play goal – to Sean Monahan? Really? – the Caps survived some pretty dicey shorthanded chances and kept the game from getting well out of hand.
They Said It:
“I think it was really positive for our group to battle through that adversity, be able to come back, tie the game. Unfortunately [we] don’t get two points, but definitely a step in the right direction for how we want to play.” – Darcy Kuemper
Also, this reminder from the newest member of the Caps’ media: