Charlie Lindgren gave a strong effort, but it wasn't enough as things fell apart in the second period for the Capitals en route to a 4-0 defeat.
WASHINGTON — The night started off the right way for the Washington Capitals, as they started with the pace and energy Spencer Carbery had emphasized to his group with "something to prove." Then, they felt the ice tilt in the second period, and the rival Pittsburgh Penguins would run away with the game as the wheels fell off for the Capitals.
Evgeni Malkin scored the game-opening goal and had two assists, while Sidney Crosby struck twice as the Penguins handed the Capitals a 4-0 defeat to kick off the campaign. It marks the first time in franchise history that the team has been shut out in a season opener.
Here are the takeaways from the loss as D.C. begins the season 0-1-0.
Capitals Have Chances Early, But Can't Execute; Lines & Pairings Change For Short Time After Penguins Dominate Second
The Capitals had a good start to action on Friday, as they were able to sustain possession and pressure. However, they couldn't capitalize on their changes or execute, as they failed to find an open lane, connect on passes, pounce on rebounds or get to the crease in time.
By the end of the second, Washington had just 15 shots on goal, and in the second, Pittsburgh took command and spent the majority of the time in the offensive zone.
With his team down 3-0 and the original lines not able to get much going, Carbery jumbled the forward lines through the rest of the frame, moving Dylan Strome up to operate with Alex Ovechkin while moving Nicklas Backstrom to the wing. Matthew Phillips would then cycle in on that combination. In turn, T.J. Oshie moved to a line with Nic Dowd and Sonny Milano.
While those lines went back to normal in the third, the defense did see some new looks, as Lucas Johansen went to work with Rasmus Sandin, who started with John Carlson, for part of the third.
The only line that stayed together was Connor McMichael-Evgeny Kuznetsov-Tom Wilson, which played a strong game. McMichael stood out, making smart plays and working confidently with the puck The 22-year-old also forced turnovers and had the team's best chance of the night: a rocket of a shot in alone that rang off the post.
Offense Steps Off Gas, Capitals Come Up Empty On Power Play
After getting some looks early, the offense fizzled out over time, as the team failed to gain momentum on the forecheck. While the team did try to generate more shots as time went on, a lot of attempts were missed or blocked, while the team also failed to connect or be on the same page.
The same story came up on the power play, as the Capitals went 0-for-3 and failed to get much going. They managed just two shots on goal on the man advantage, and 19 for the entire game. Pittsburgh managed 35.
Charlie Lindgren Impresses Despite Score In First Season Opener, PK & Defense Struggles
Despite the score, Charlie Lindgren put on quite the show for the Capitals and gave them a chance. He was making smart reads and tracking the play well, and his reactive style served him well as he stayed quick in the crease and made some ten-bell saves, including one with the toe with his team already trailing by three and a breakaway from former teammate Lars Eller.
Lindgren, who played in his first season opener with Darcy Kuemper out after he and his wife welcomed their first child overnight, stopped 30 of 34 shots.
The 29-year-old's performance, though, wasn't to blame, as the defense in front of him struggled. Evgeni Malkin was left all alone in front on the first goal of the game after the team failed to exit the zone. Then, Sidney Crosby struck twice on two different power-play opportunities, as he pounced on a loose puck in front to make it 2-0 and then scored on a one-timer after being left alone by the penalty killers. The final goal from Reilly Smith came on a breakaway where, again, the team left Lindgren alone.
Connor McMichael Impresses, Second Line Sees Looks
In spite of the loss, McMichael played an outstanding game and had a myriad of chances. He kept his feet moving and was aggressive on the forecheck, while also showing more confidence, moving the puck efficiently and getting to the right areas. He forced a turnover early to send Evgeny Kuznetsov in for a breakaway and had the team's best chance of the night when he unleashed a rocket of a shot that beat Tristan Jarry clean but rang off the post.
His line with Kuznetsov and Tom Wilson, who led the team with four hits, survived some of Carbery's earlier shuffles.
Top Shelf Takes
- Ovechkin led his team with five shots and had quite a few good looks, including a breakaway in the second. He also had some big hits to try and spark his team.
- Backstrom went 10-for-13 in the face-off dot.