The Capitals fell 4-2 and remain out of a playoff spot.
After falling out of playoff position just 24 hours ago, the Washington Capitals came into Raleigh with hopes to get back into it. But a lopsided game and controversial call ultimately led to a lost opportunity.
Alex Ovechkin struck twice and Darcy Kuemper was stellar, but the Capitals gave up too many chances, and a late penalty led to a 4-2 loss to extend the losing streak to five games.
Here are all the takeaways from the defeat.
Kuemper Comes Up Huge, But Capitals Fall After Controversial Penalty
The Capitals found themselves under siege early and often in Carolina, and it was Darcy Kuemper who came up big.
The 6-foot-5 netminder, making his first start since March 22, was solid and on his game from the get-go.
Kuemper stopped 41 of 44 shots, including 30 through the first two periods, but it wasn’t enough for D.C. after giving up two power-play goals in the third.
The last one, which came on a controversial penalty to Rasmus Sandin with just over two minutes left, led to Sebastian Aho scoring the game-winning goal.
Ovechkin Sparks Offense, Which Still Poses Problem
The Capitals offense continued to struggle to get pucks on net, but luckily, they got a strong game from Alex Ovechkin to help secure the win.
Ovechkin scored two goals in the first period, marking the 850th and 851st tallies of his career. He is 44 away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record.
Besides Ovechkin, the offense couldn’t get much going, and the power play also went 0-for-3.
Washington was ultimately outshot 45-16 in the loss.
Top Shelf Takes
- Dylan Strome picked up two assists.
- Beck Malenstyn led the Capitals with four hits.