Hurricanes Down Capitals 4-1 in 4th Preseason Tilt

Posted on September 23, 2017 by Jon Sorensen
AP Photo/Nick Wass

The Washington Capitals fell to the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1 on Saturday night at Capital One Arena. The loss dropped the Capitals’ preseason record to 1-3. The Capitals return to preseason action Wednesday night when they host the New Jersey Devils at Capital One Arena. Puck drop is 7PM. 

Pheonix Copley got the start in goal for the Capitals and played the first period. Philipp Grubauer relieved Copley to start the second period and played the second and third periods of the game. Cam Ward got the start for Carolina and played the entire game.

FIRST PERIOD
The teams traded power plays in the first eight minutes of the contest but no damages were done. The Capitals were once again quick to fall behind in shots, going nine full minutes before registering their first official shot on goal.

The Hurricanes would be the first to register a tally with a power play goal by Justin Williams at the 10:52 mark of the opening frame.

The Capitals would tie the game with a power play goal of their own at the 16:59 mark on a nice feed from Jakub Vrana to Alex Chiasson who was fronting the net.

Jared Shafran with the call:

The period would end with the game tied 1-1. Carolina led in shots on goal 10-6 for the first 20 minutes.

SECOND PERIOD
As planned, Philipp Grubauer replaced Pheonix Copley in goal to start the second period. The ‘Canes would grab the lead late in the period on blast from the left circle by Trvor Carrick at the 12:10 mark for f the middle frame.

The Caps showed much better offensive pursuit and energy on the forecheck in the second period, but were unable to find the back of the net. The period ended with the Hurricanes leading 2-1. Shots on goal were tied 14-14 for the middle frame, with the Hurricanes leading 24-20 through two periods of play.

THIRD PERIOD
The Hurricanes would stretch their lead to 3-1 on a breakaway wrister by Julien Gauthier at the 2:35 mark of the final frame.

The Hurricanes would add an empty net goal by Justin Faulk at the 17:48 mark of the third period, making it 4-1 and sealing the victory for Carolina.

PROSPECT POSITIVES

  • Nathan Walker – a continuation from his first preseason game. Walker showed strong pursuit of the puck, was aggressive with his ice time and showed great energy on the forecheck. Walker looks to have a roster spot all but locked up.
  • Christian Djoos – Djoos looked to finally loosen up and play his brand of hockey. Good ice awareness, clean exit passes and strong on the offensive end. We need to see more of this for him to make the team.
  • Jonas Siegenthaler – strong in the defensive zone, showed good decision-making, as he has most of training camp. Excellent zone exit passing and strong on the forecheck for the entire game.

SCENES FROM CAPITAL ONE ARENA

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZZe8HygIg7vtVQ6aE1Q0jRGOL5yY2S0tOXc3w0/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZZj6UOgUaD/

About Jon Sorensen

Jon has been a Caps fan since day one, attending his first game at the Capital Centre in 1974. His interest in the Caps has grown over the decades and included time as a season ticket holder. He has been a journalist covering the team for 10+ years, primarily focusing on analysis, analytics and prospect development.
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