The Washington Capitals secured a 5-4 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday, with Dylan Strome’s shootout goal proving the difference.
Strome also scored the game-tying goal with four seconds remaining on a power play to level the score at 4-4. The Capitals had initially surrendered a 3-0 lead, allowing the Golden Knights to score four consecutive goals.
“We did a good job of regrouping,” Strome said. “We didn’t let their power play goal to start the third get us down. We created some chances and found a way to get that game tied. That’s the biggest two points of our season.”
Capitals Recover After Golden Knights Comeback
Justin Sourdif contributed a goal and an assist for the Capitals, while Cole Hutson provided two assists. Logan Thompson made 25 saves for Washington, who have now won their second consecutive game.
Hutson said, “This game meant a lot. Two points closer, but we have to go on a roll on these last few. We definitely had to flush (the first two periods). We got over it pretty quick. That was pretty big for the team.”
The Capitals are now within four points of the Columbus Blue Jackets for the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference.
Golden Knights’ Losing Streak Continues
Jack Eichel scored a goal and provided two assists for the Golden Knights, and Rasmus Andersson had a goal and an assist. Adin Hill made 17 saves but could not prevent the defeat.
The Golden Knights have now lost three in a row and six of their past seven games (1-4-2).
Andersson said, “We needed two points. There’s no sugar coating it. We need two points. It’s unfortunate that we’re chasing the game, but we did a good job coming back. … It sucks, but there’s a new game in a couple of days, so recharge and be ready to go again.”
How the Goals Were Scored
Hendrix Lapierre opened the scoring for the Capitals at 6:06 of the first period after Ivan Miroshnichenko won a board battle and passed to Lapierre. Sourdif extended the lead to 2-0 at 1:55 of the second period with a power-play goal, one-timing a pass from Connor McMichael.
Anthony Beauvillier further increased the Capitals’ advantage to 3-0 at 6:49, redirecting a pass from Ryan Leonard.
Nic Dowd, who was acquired March 5 from the Capitals, scored a short-handed goal at 10:38 to reduce the deficit to 3-1. Andersson then scored another short-handed goal 25 seconds later to make it 3-2.
Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy said, “We needed something positive to happen offensively. We can’t get do
Despite the loss, the Golden Knights remain in third place in the Pacific Division, three points behind the Edmonton Oilers and four points ahead of the Los Angeles Kings.