Oshie Shines in Caps Comeback Win
After falling to the New York Rangers on Saturday and looking very unimpressive, the Capitals rebounded against the Devils. After a slow start, the Capitals responded with an incredible offensive push in the third period. Netting 3 goals in the third, the Capitals erased a 2 goal deficit to come back and shock the Devils.
T.J. Oshie proved to be a huge factor in the comeback win scoring 2 goals on the power play. He also contributed an assist, leading the team in points today with 3. John Carlson added a tally halfway through the third and the Great 8, Alex Ovechkin, scored on the power play as well late in the third netting career number 712. Ovi is currently 7th on the all time goals list and is 6 goals shy of passing Phil Esposito (717).
Craig Anderson got his first start as a Capital and his first start since March 2020. Anderson saved a total of 22 shots on the day while allowing 3 goals. He provided a solid veteran presence in net and got his first win of the year. Nicklas Backstrom continued his points tear, adding two assists on the day and he is now 2 assists shy of 700 in his career. Backstrom leads the team in points with 22 through the team’s first 17 games this year. This is the most points that Nicklas has recorded through the first 17 games in his career.
One of the many improvements that the Capitals saw was the success they had in the face-off circle. The team won 54.1% of the face-offs in today’s game. In the last 4 games, Lars Eller has won 61.4% of his face-offs. Nic Dowd has also had great success in the dot in the last 4, winning 68.8% of his draws and 82% against the Devils.
The Caps will be back in action again on Tuesday and Thursday when they take on the Penguins in two games at Capital One Arena.
