The Washington Capitals got shut out by the New York Islanders last night, but it wasn’t for a lack of trying. According to MoneyPuck.com the Capitals put up 4.62 expected goals and scored zero goals. It’s a summation of how the season is going for the Capitals in the early going.
It all made sense when the Islanders scored their third goal on their fifth shot over halfway through the game, while the Caps were jacking up scoring chances left and right at the other end of the ice.
Three Takeaways:
1) The Capitals had their fifth goal disallowed just eight games into the season. That has to be some sort of record.
2) Connor McMichael, who was already one of the Caps best players this season, returned to his natural position at center and looked even better.
3) Caps currently sit at the second worst shooting percentage in the league with 4.98%. Even when the Caps were bad last season they shot 8.62%. Regression is coming, in a good way.
They Said It:
Next Day Game Recap: Capitals vs Islanders
Nov 2, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals right wing T.J. Oshie (77) controls the puck as New York Islanders center Bo Horvat (14) defends in the first period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports