The Washington Capitals (33-27-8) played longer than necessary on Saturday afternoon. They hung with the Boston Bruins (37-23-6) but lost 3-2 in a shootout that lasted nine rounds.
The Capitals needed a win to stay tied with Boston for the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. Washington finished with one point, despite needing two points.
The Capitals blue line took a big step to keep hope alive. Matt Roy led the scoring, while Rasmus Sandin had a multi-point game.
However, Boston never trailed as Charlie McAvoy recorded two goals. But neither team was able to score on many power play opportunities.
The game required overtime and then a shootout, which lasted nine rounds. Despite the Capitals' best efforts, Fraser Minton scored the game-winner for Boston.
Next, the Capitals continue their four-game homestand by hosting Ottawa on Wednesday.
capitals analysis
After a scoreless opening period, Roy scored to put the Capitals ahead 1–0 75 seconds into the middle frame. The 31-year-old blueliner fired an 86 MPH shot past Jeremy Swayman into the top corner.
Roy generally looked impressive on the ice. The defensemen moved the puck well, and made smart reads at both ends of the ice.
Sandin also played well and recorded an assist on Roy's tally. The 26-year-old player then scored an own goal at the beginning of the third.
With the score tied at 1–1, Sandin made the score 2–1 with a knuckle puck from the point. The blueliner also showed impressive two-way play and grabbed four blocks.
However, Boston's blue line came through thanks to two goals from McAvoy. The Olympic gold medalist hit a point shot to equalize in the second, then deflected a shot to make it 2-2.
With the score tied late, the Capitals had two power play opportunities to try to take the lead. Unfortunately, the team's problems continued on the man advantage.
Things got worse when Connor McMichael took a late penalty and the Capitals were shorthanded with more than a minute remaining. Thankfully, Boston did not score while their power play extended to OT.
The capital penalty kill intensified early in this period. Tom Wilson and Anthony Beauvillier were both in the box, but the team successfully killed 39 seconds of 5-on-3.
Despite the loss, Logan Thompson put in a remarkable performance, stopping 32 of 34 shots on net. He also made eight saves in the skills competition.
capitals report card
Team: B-
The Capitals tried their best to keep the game competitive in regulation, overtime and the shootout. Sadly, he could not win.
Rasmus Sandin: A+
Sandin had a multi-point day with a goal and an assist. The blueliner got a lot of good looks and got high-danger chances while also playing well on defense.
Matt Roy: A
Roy opened the scoring 75 seconds into the second period. He recorded his first goal since on November 17 versus Los Angeles.
Capitals Special Teams: C+
The Capitals' power play once again struggled and their score became 0-3. However, the penalty kill was much better, including a 5-on-3 in the third.
Logan Thompson: B
Thompson made 32 saves in the loss. The netminder also stopped eight shots in the shootout.
