Washington Capitals (2-1-2) v. Dallas Stars (1-3-1)
| Predicted Goaltender | Record (W-L-OTL) | GAA/SV% | |
| Washington Capitals | Ilya Samsonov | 1-0-0 | 1.00/.962 |
| Dallas Stars | Anton Khudobin | 0-1-0 | 4.07/.879 |
The Washington Capitals are hoping to end a 3-game losing streak tonight versus the Dallas Stars. Just four days ago, the Capitals lost to Dallas in overtime at Capital One Arena. This time, they will play the Stars at their arena, American Airlines Center.
As previously mentioned, the Washington Capitals are struggling. Goal-tending has not been strong, and despite Alex Ovechkin scoring two power play goals in the Caps’ loss to Nashville two days ago, the power play is not where it needs to be. Goals from Lars Eller in the first, and two power play goals sandwiching a shorthanded goal from Tom Wilson in the second gave the Caps a comfy 4-2 lead heading into the third. But four goals from the Predators’ in the third period proved too difficult to overcome. Veteran net-minder Braden Holtby, with just one win in four starts, has been abysmal to start the season. There was lots we liked about Thursdays’ showing, and goal-tending was not one of those things. John Carlson tallied assists on three of the Caps’ five goals, and both Alex Ovechkin and TJ Oshie scored their third goal (TheScore, WSH v NSH). Caps’ defense was extremely efficient at breaking down Nashville’s offensive zone advances, and Dmitry Orlov had one of his best games in recent memory. In a 6-5 regulation loss, the Caps put forth a much better effort than in past meetings with the Predators, but another blown third period lead cost them yet another game. Ilya Samsonov will start for the Capitals tonight, in attempts to remedy Washingtons’ current goaltender situation.
The Dallas Stars have only managed to beat the Capitals so far this season. They are 2-1-1 through 4 games, dropping their last to the Calgary Flames by a score of 3-2 in the shootout. Joel L’Esperance and Jamie Benn both scored their first goals of the season. Despite the loss, goaltender Ben Bishop stopped 27 of 29 shots faced in regulation, rounding out the night with an impressive .931 SV%. Some would argue that save percentage is the most misleading hockey statistic, since a loss is a loss, regardless of the % saved, but those are still some impressive numbers. Tyler Seguin, who scored the overtime game winning goal versus the Caps on Tuesday, was the only Star to sneak the puck past Flames goaltender David Rittich, and it was none other than Johnny ‘Hockey’ Gaudreau who would win it for Calgary (TheScore, CGY v DAL). Anton Khudobin, who has lost the single game he has started this season, will start for Dallas. The Capitals will need to adjust their style of play and restrain Roope Hintz (4G, 1A) if they hope to end their win-less streak tonight. Currently, the Capitals are in a tougher spot than Dallas, and will hopefully be playing for vengeance.
Coverage of the game begins at 7:00pm with Caps Faceoff Live, followed by Caps Pregame Live at 7:30pm, all on NBCSN/NBCSWA, with puck drop shortly after 8:00pm.
Sponsored by:
TheScore. (2019). Calgary Flames @ Dallas Stars. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/events/21781.
TheScore. (2019). Dallas Stars @ Washington Capitals. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/events/21765.
