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Capitals Fall To Kings, 4-2 In West Coast Finale; Alex Ovechkin Scores Career Goal #816, Rasmus Sandin Scores First Goal For Capitals

By Jon Sorensen·
Photo: Twitter: @Capitals

The Washington Capitals fell to the Los Angeles Kings, 4-2 Monday night at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif. Alex Ovechkin scored in his second straight game and newcomer Rasmus Sandin scored his first goal in a Capitals uniform in the loss. The defeat drops the Capitals record 31-28-6 (68 points) on the season. 

Darcy Kuemper got the start between the pipes for the visiting Capitals. Former Capitals netminder Pheonix Copley got the nod for the Kings. The Capitals forward lines and defensive pairs for the Capitals:

Alex Ovechkin — Evgeny Kuznetsov — Tom Wilson
Anthony Mantha  — Nicklas Backstrom — T.J. Oshie
Sonny Milano — Dylan Strome — Craig Smith
Conor Sheary — Nic Dowd — Nicolas Aube-Kubel

Rasmus Sandin — Trevor van Riemsdyk
Alex Alexeyev – Vinny Iorio
Matt Irwin – Gabriel Carlsson

Extras: Aliaksei Protas, Dylan McIlrath

FIRST PERIOD

The Capitals and Kings skated to a scoreless draw if the first period, but the Capitals were extremely lucky they weren’t down 3-0, or worse. Darcy Kuemper was huge in the first frame, stopping all 19 shots on goal.

The Kings dominated in five-on-five shot attempts, 26-5, scoring chances, 16-2, high-danger chances, 9-1 and xGF 1.88 to .34. The Kings were 0 for 2 on the power play while the Capitals did not have a man advantage in the first 20 minutes.

SECOND PERIOD

The Kings dominated the start of the second period, but it would be the Capitals that struck first. Newly acquired defenseman Rasmus Sandin (5) potted his first goal as a Capital at 11:39 of the middle frame. Sonny Milano (18) and Dylan Strome (30) were credited with the helpers. Sandin would take several whacks before the third attempt trickled through the five-hole on Copley.

Unfortunately, the Capitals’ lead lasted for just 1:29, as the Kings quickly tied the game. Vladislav Gavrikov (4) tied the game at 13:18 of the second period. Kevin Fiala (45) and Viktor Arvidsson (25) had the assists. It was Gavrikov’s first goal with the Kings since being traded from Columbus last week.

The Kings took their first lead of the night at 19:28,of the middle frame. Phillip Danault (6) potted the go ahead tally. Viktor Arvidsson (26) had the lone assist.

The second period concluded with the Kings leading, 2-1. It was a better period for the Capitals. Five-on-five shot attempts were tied, 14-14. Kings led in scoring chances, 9-5, high-danger chances, 5-2 and xGF .92 to .37 in the middle frame. Faceoffs even 50-50%.

THIRD PERIOD

The Capitals tied the game with a five-on-three power play goal from Alex Ovechkin (36) at 2:31 of the third period. Rasmus Sandin (20) and Nicklas Backstrom (8) provided the helpers.

Ovechkin’s goal marks his first career goal against Pheonix Copley, the 169th different goaltender Ovechkin has scored on in his career. Only Jaromir Jagr (178) and Patrick Marleau (177) have scored on more goaltenders in NHL history.

The Kings regained the lead with a goal off the rush by Mikey Anderson (3) at 7:52 of the third period. He was assisted by Quinton Byfield (14) and Adrian Kempe (19).

The Kings added an empty net goal from Adrian Kempe and held on for the 4-2 win.

The Capitals were trounced in the possession metrics. The Kings led in five-on-five shot attempts, 53-27, scoring chances 33-12, high-danger chances, 19-4, expected goals for percentage, 79.03% to 20.97% and expected goals for 3.55 to .94.

The Capitals are back in action on Thursday when they host the New Jersey Devils at Capital One Arena. Puck drop is set for 7PM ET.

SHAVINGS

  • Rasmus Sandin scores his first goal as a Capital to put Washington ahead 1-0. Sandin has recorded four points (1g, 3a) in two games with the Capitals.
  • Sonny Milano recorded the primary assist on Sandin’s goal, his 18th assist of the season. Milano has recorded five points (2g, 3a) in his last five games.
  • Dylan Strome recorded the secondary assist on Sandin’s goal, his 30th assist of the season. Strome has reached the 30-assist mark for the second time in his career (2018-19: 37a).
  • Ovechkin’s goal marks his first career goal against Pheonix Copley, the 169th different goaltender Ovechkin has scored on in his career. Only Jaromir Jagr (178) and Patrick Marleau (177) have scored on more goaltenders in NHL history.
  • Rasmus Sandin scored after posting 0-3—3 in his Capitals debut. He is the second defenseman in franchise history with four points through his first two games with the team, joining Brian Pothier (0-4—4 in 2 GP).