The Capitals needed life going into the second period against Calgary. Enter Matthew Phillips, who helped his club secure a point.
WASHINGTON — Going into the second period, the Washington Capitals — and Capital One Arena — needed a breath of life as they trailed the Calgary Flames 2-0 and were being outshot 18-3.
Enter Matthew Phillips. All 5-foot-8 of him.
The 25-year-old, who spent seven years in the Calgary organization and earned just two NHL games from the club, went on the ultimate revenge tour through 60 minutes and helped Washington tie things up and ultimately, force a shootout. There, Evgeny Kuznetsov won it to secure a 3-2 win.
Here are all the takeaways from D.C., where Spencer Carbery captured his first win as an NHL head coach.
Matthew Phillips Surges Against Old Team
Phillips didn't get the opportunity he was looking for with the Flames, and on Monday, he showed his old team exactly what they were missing.
With Washington desperately needing a goal, the 25-year-old had a give-and-go with Sonny Milano, who delivered a perfect saucer pass right on the tape. Phillips made no mistake, burying his first NHL goal.
Minutes later, he'd make a pass to Connor McMichael, who sniped home his first NHL goal since March 26, 2022, to make it 2-2.
The multi-point effort not only sparked the arena, but his teammates as the Capitals started to generate more pressure and gain more confidence.
Capitals Come To Life In Third, Capitals Force Shootout As Power Play Can't Connect
After managing just 13 shots on the goal through the first two periods, Washington found some energy and tilted the ice in their favor in the third.
The Capitals were buzzing, generating more chances, getting in-tight opportunities, crashing the crease and shooting the puck with confidence.
Washington outshot Calgary 10-8 in the third and ultimately held off the opposition to help force overtime.
While the power play got some good looks in overtime, it went 0-for-3 on the night and couldn't score on the 4-on-3 chance to close things out. The game went to the shootout, where Evgeny Kuznetsov
Darcy Kuemper Comes In Clutch With Big Performance In Return, PK Solid
Darcy Kuemper missed Washington's home opener following the birth of his son, and he showed off that "new dad strength" in his first game back.
The 33-year-old, being backed up by Clay Stevenson after Charlie Lindgren was injured at the optional morning skate, was rock solid and dialled in from the get-go. He was quick and agile in the crease, tracking the puck well and making some big stops in what was ultimately a very lopsided effort with a rough defensive effort in front of him.
Kuemper also shut down a breakaway from Blake Coleman, and the ensuing penalty shot that came for No. 20 off that play. He ended the night with 38 saves on 40 shots and stopped all shootout attempts against.
The penalty kill also came in clutch, killing four penalties. It was a strong effort, and an encouraging one following a rough performance against the Pittsburgh Penguins just a few nights prior.
Top Shelf Takes
- Aliaksei Protas led the team with three shots on goal. He made his season debut on Monday, taking Anthony Mantha's (healthy scratch) place.
- Alex Ovechkin, despite some looks, failed to record a shot on goal.