At least Ovi scored (Caps Outsider)
The Capitals returned home in their first game since the All-Star break, but their ongoing issues continued in a 5-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens.
Washington had entered the night’s contest on a three-game home winning streak in what was the team’s 1,000th regular-season home game at Capital One Arena.
The first period turned out to be the worst period all season for Washington, as they gave up three Canadiens goals due to costly turnovers. The first two goals were scored by Nick Suzuki, while the third came from Michael Pezzetta.
As a result of the 3-0 deficit, starting goaltender Charlie Lindgren was pulled in favor of Darcy Kuemper.
The second period is when slight hope appeared as Alex Ovechkin netted his 10th goal of the season to cut the deficit to 3-1. This was also Ovechkin’s 832nd career goal.
In the third, Montreal went on to score twice more thanks to two tallies from Juraj Slafkovsky, while Rasmus Sandin also scored on a one-timer for the Caps. On the Sandin goal, John Carlson recorded his team-leading 26th assist of the season.
Washington attempted 38 shots and were unable to send most of them past Canadiens goalie Sam Montembault for the most part.
This is also the first game after Evgeny Kuznetsov entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, resulting in his indefinite leave from the team.
The Capitals now drop to 22-19-7 on the season, remaining in seventh place in the Metropolitan Division.
