DC’s hockey team came home to CapitalOne Arena for a tilt against the Central division leading Dallas Stars. The team had been on a season high five game win streak. Expectations were high after the previous game for more history to be made from Alex Ovechkin but it was not to be. Jake Oettinger’s 45-save performance keyed the Stars to victory.
Conor Sheary opened the scoring at 9:23 with a perfect pass from Alex Ovechkin. The captain had appeared to be lined up for the shot at the moment but saw Sheary sneak behind the defense. The pass hit Sheary’s skate but he was able to put it in his stick to put it home.
After a scoreless second period, the Capitals found themselves shorthanded after a tripping penalty on Anthony Mantha that spilled into the third. Unfortunately, they could not kill off the Stars top-rated road power play as Jamie Benn scooped the puck into the net from in front of a half open net. The goal was scored 48 seconds into the period. Just over a minute later, Colin Miller benefitted from a freak deflection off Lars Eller to put the Stars ahead.
From that point, the Capitals continued to press the attack, but could not get the tying goal. Ovechkin found himself constantly swarmed by the Stars’ defense yet managed to put five shots on net in the game. Dallas limited second chance opportunities but mostly garnered the win due to Oettinger’s stalwart efforts in net. A late-minute opportunity from Dylan Strome was the home team’s best chance to tie the game, but this ended up hitting the post. While the Capitals were clearly inspired, they could not overcome the brilliant efforts of arguably the best young goaltender in the league.
NOTES—Sonny Milano was held out of the lineup due to a non-COVID related illness. No official confirmation has been made but Darcy Kuemper should be returning to the lineup shortly. The Capitals’ next game will be Saturday night at CapitalOne, start time is scheduled for 7 PM ET.
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