The Washington Capitals, fresh off their win over the Devils, return home Friday with a clash with the Minnesota Wild. The Caps enter the contest with a 2-3-1 record, and had their best game offensively in New Jersey. The Caps scored 6 goals and surrendered 4 in the second period. Goalie Hunter Shepard secured his first career win in the process.
The Wild enter the contest with a 3-3-1 record and are coming off a 6-2 loss to the Flyers. A quick glance reveals that the Wild are able to score but have struggled keeping the puck out of their net.
They have a goaltending tandem of Filip Gustavsson and Marc-Andre Fleury. Yes, that Marc-Andre Fleury. Each of them have earned at least 1 win and 1 loss. Both are sporting a sun .900 SV% (save percentage). Those numbers will have to be better for them going forward.
The Wild are led in scoring by Joel Eriksson Ek, who has 5 on the year. He is tied with teammates Mats Zuccarello and Kirill Kaprizov with 9 points.
This year has not been kind to the Capitals in all phases of the game. They have been shutout by the Pens and beaten soundly by the Maple Leafs and Senators. They have 1 OT loss to the Canadiens.
The Capitals have struggled with finishing on the offensive end and at times seem snake bitten. The offense looks a little faster and has some creativity to it. It just has not translated to goals. The defense has struggled mightily and the goal tending has had a lot of unlucky bounces.
The pairings and lines have both undergone a fair amount of changes. Anything the Caps can do to get some momentum on their side. Matthew Phillips on the top line, Backstrom and Wilson on the third line, Sandin on the second paring. These are just a few examples of changes that the Caps have tried.
The Capitals are led in overall points by none other than Alex Ovechkin and John Carlson. Dylan Storm has found his shot and has 4 goals already on the year. Matthew Phillips, Connor McMichael and Sonny Milano have chipped in goals. Ovechkin’s chase for the goal record is now down to 70 to tie and 71 for the record.
Goaltending has been up and down this year as Darcy Kuemper, Charlie Lindgren and Hunter Shepard have all started in net. Consistency is key for this group going forward to give the Caps a chance to win close games. The offense has to step up and finish their chances.
Puck drop from Capital One Area is set for 7pm and can be seen on ESPN +. Go CAPS!
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