The Capitals got multi-point outings from Aube-Kubel, Dowd and Carlson in the victory.
WASHINGTON — Even after going down 3-2 early in the third, the Washington Capitals collectively knew one thing: they weren't going to lose Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Kings.
And ultimately, the fourth line made sure of it.
Nicolas Aube-Kubel had a three-point night and Nic Dowd also picked up a goal and assist, while John Carlson scored the game-winner with 53 seconds left in regulation in a huge 4-3 victory over Los Angeles.
Here are the takeaways from the win, which puts Washington back in a tie for a wild-card spot.
Carlson Plays Hero, Fourth Line Comes Up Huge After Penalty Kill Gives Up 2
It was a big night for the fourth line of Malenstyn-Dowd-Aube-Kubel, who combined for three of the team's four goals and helped set up Carlson for the game-winner.
Nicolas Aube-Kubel had the game-tying goal and two assists, while Nic Dowd had the game-opening goal and a helper. Beck Malenstyn also had an assist.
With 53 seconds left in regulation, the fourth line made a great play to throw the Kings off in the offensive zone, and Carlson was able to beat Cam Talbot through traffic to make it a 4-3 game. It marked Carlson's second goal in three games, and he also had an assist.
Overall, the fourth line was a powerhouse, making the most of its chances, generating pressure in the offensive zone and ultimately paving the way for a big win.
Despite the win, the penalty kill also struggled, giving up two power-play goals. It marked the second consecutive game that the team gave up multiple PPGs in a game, and it was the fifth straight game that the PK allowed a goal.
Still, Washington was able to come together and find a way to get the job done.
Capitals Find Chemistry With Ovechkin-Strome-Pacioretty
The Capitals were in need of a spark with the Kings taking command in the second and going up 2-1 while heavily outshooting D.C., and head coach Spencer Carbery responded by putting Alex Ovechkin, Dylan Strome and Max Pacioretty together.
It worked wonders.
Late in the second, Pacioretty stuck with the play and forced a turnover in the offensive zone before getting the puck to Dylan Strome, who went on a 2-on-0 break in front with Alex Ovechkin. In a quick give-and-go sequence, Storme passed to Ovechkin before the captain passed it back to Strome for the game-tying goal.
It marked Pacioretty's first point with the Capitals and his first assist since 2021-22. He is three games into his return from a re-torn Achilles and continues to feel better as time goes on. Ovechkin, who was a game-time decision, has points in five straight games.
Kuznetsov Gets Limited Time, Benched In Second & Most Of Third; Penalty Kill Gives Up 2
While the win was a big one, it got a bit close for comfort, and Evgeny Kuznetsov felt the effects of it with a benching.
Kuznetsov did not play in the second period after being on the ice for Kevin Fiala's first go-ahead goal. He played an additional 2:43 minutes in the third, but other than that, rarely saw the surface after his play on Fiala's rebound.
Top Shelf Takes
- Martin Fehervary left for a part of the second after being shaken up on a hit by Alex Laferriere but returned for the third period.
- Tom Wilson appeared to hurt his nose in the third and was bloodied postgame but did return to finish things out.