Tom Wilson on Alex Ovechkin The Washington Capitals continue to find ways to win, and on Saturday, a big reason for two points was Pierre-Luc Dubois. Dubois scored the eventual game-winner, while several more Capitals chipped in for a 6-5 victory over New Jersey. Here are all the takeaways from the win, which moves Washington into first place in the Metropolitan Division. PIERRE-LUC DUBOIS SHINES FOR CAPITALS Pierre-Luc Dubois has had a team-first mentality since joining the Capitals, and that was on full display on Saturday. Dubois scored just eight seconds after Taylor Raddysh's go-ahead goal for Washington in the third period, which proved to be the eventual game-winner. He also added an assist earlier in the night. Then, in the final seconds, he hustled against Jack Hughes to negate an icing, helping seal the eventual victory for D.C. Dubois has 16 points in 24 games so far this season, but beyond his production, his two-way play has been a huge reason for Washington's success while being trusted in high-danger situations. POWER PLAY STAYS RED-HOT, HELPS CAPITALS TO STRONGER SECOND PERIOD The Capitals have been making the most of their power play of late with captain Alex Ovechkin out with a broken leg, and in New Jersey, it paved the way for a key victory. Washington's second periods have been so-so, but on Saturday, it was their best period thanks to the man advantage. Connor McMichael scored his 14th goal of the season on a power play — a double minor drawn once again by Dylan Strome — followed by Jakob Chychrun just over a minute later. Chychrun has points in four straight games. On another opportunity at the end of the period, Ivan Miroshnichenko set up Rasmus Sandin for a PPG. Sandin had two points in the win. The Capitals went 3-for-5 on the night and have PPGs in five straight games and eight of the last nine overall. It's been a great turnaround, especially with the team playing without the greatest goal scorer of all time. CAPITALS HOLD ON FOR KEY WIN IN ROCKY THIRD Taking a 4-2 lead into the second, Washington faltered a bit in the third, with Stefen Noesen breaking through on the power play and Jesper Bratt also scoring to tie things up. Raddysh's fourth of the season would put his team ahead, and from there, it was all about protecting the lead. D.C. was outshot 14-5 in the third, and it took everyone to hold on for the win. Charlie Lindgren stopped 22 of 27 for the victory, and several players like Dubois stepped up to help secure two points. TOP SHELF TAKES - Connor McMichael has four points in his last three games. - John Carlson had three assists and has the 30th-most assists by a defenseman in NHL history. He also has points in three straight games. - Hendrix Lapierre has four assists in his last five games. - Ivan Miroshnichenko has points in three of his last four games since his call-up.
