Photo: X/@Capitals
Despite the Washington Capitals falling to the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in overtime, there were a lot of positives in Saturday’s defeat. The Caps clawed back from a 2-0 deficit thanks to Dylan Strome’s late tallies in the third, giving Washington a point in the standings.
“I think you saw a little bit more of our character come out tonight. To be down 2-0 going into the third and then have the penalty trouble we did, but just kind of sticking with it was really nice to see,” Capitals goaltender Darcy Kuemper said after Saturday’s loss. “I think it was really positive for our group to kind of battle through that adversity and be able to come back in the game.”
Because Saturday’s affair with Montreal was so eventful, we are going to list four takeaways instead of three. Let’s look.
Power Play On The Rise
Though the Capitals went 0-for-5 on the man-advantage, and is now 0-for-13 to start the season, they had a lot of good looks.
Washington had seven shots when it was a man up, including five shots in the first period alone on two attempts.
Alex Ovechkin’s first shot of the game was a wrister from his office and he almost scored during a net-mouth scramble.
#ALLCAPS Ovechkin with a good chance on the powerplay pic.twitter.com/Skz8znmtAf
— Capitals Replays (@capsreplays) October 21, 2023
Nicklas Backstrom had two shots on the man-advantage as well. The Caps did a really good job of cycling the puck and didn’t wait as much for the perfect shot. It should be a matter of time before Washington’s power play breaks through.
Too Many Penalties
While it was good to see the penalty kill step up, it is not good when the PK unit has to be on the ice for the majority of a period. It keeps big name players on the bench and can mess up line combinations.
Montreal’s first goal of the contest was on the power play after Ovechkin took an ill-advised slash.
The Capitals had five penalties in the third period alone, one of which forced the Caps to be two players short. That simply can’t happen especially with the team’s best penalty killer in Nic Dowd still ailing.
Some of them were controversial, such as Sonny Milano’s goaltender interference call and Tom Wilson’s trip, but some were also careless, like Ovechkin’s slash. But without the strong play of the penalty kill, the Caps don’t come away with a single point.
“We went down to four killers, [Malenstyn] did an excellent job on that 5-on-3. Protas, [Kuznetsov, Wilson] we just rotated those four guys through. [Connor McMichael] a little bit as well to try to get us through just with the thought process of trying to potentially save some of our other guys for more offensive situations coming down the stretch,” Caps coach Spencer Carbery said. “They did a heck of a job to be able to keep it a one goal game to enable us to tie it up.”
Anthony Mantha Engaged
Anthony Mantha has been on the chopping block for quite some time now. The right-winger was a healthy scratch in the game against the Calgary Flames, but returned to the lineup against the Ottawa Senators after Dowd went down with an injury.
However, Saturday was his best game by far. Late in the first period, he was in a 2-on-1 with Ovechkin to try and give the Caps a late lead, but Canadiens goaltender Jake Allen denied him at the post.
#ALLCAPS Ovechkin should’ve shot this as soon as he realized it was mantha with him pic.twitter.com/wq1VOdFoLG
— Capitals Replays (@capsreplays) October 21, 2023
His linemates were strong as well. Beck Malenstyn made a lot of smart plays on the penalty kill and was coming up with loose pucks. Aliaksei Protas also made a lot of smart plays.
Defensive Zone Play Needs To Be better
It is very unclear what the Capitals are trying to accomplish in the defensive zone. They have no identity or set structure and it is making Kuemper’s life in the crease miserable.
#ALLCAPS horrible turnover from TVR pic.twitter.com/Vxua65mDzN
— Capitals Replays (@capsreplays) October 21, 2023
The pairing of Rasmus Sandin and John Carlson needs to be split up at some point. While the duo does drive a lot of offense, they tend to struggle on the defensive side of the puck.
The pairing had a bad breakdown early in the third period and it led to Josh Anderson walking right into open ice, getting a breakaway on Kuemper.
Meanwhile, defensive zone puck retrievals continue to be a problem. The Caps have been very soft at getting to loose pucks and have struggled against heavy forecheck teams, which leads the defense to being out of position.
The Capitals started to tighten up defensively late in the third period, in large part due to the penalty kill, but it is still something that needs to be addressed since the offense can’t seem to put the puck in the net.
Notable Numbers and Observations
- This game does not get to OT without Darcy Kuemper. He was busy for long stretches and came up with very important saves when the Caps defense was reeling. He ended the game with 25 saves. Jake Allen was fantastic as well with 31 saves.
- Though Evgeny Kuznetsov had the primary assist on Strome’s tying goal, he needs to be way better. He is too soft on the puck and every time he loses it, he just seems frustrated.
- Each team had 14 hits
- Nicklas Backstrom was 57.14% in the faceoff circle.
- The Caps finished the game with 13 giveaways, compared to Montreal’s 14.
- Hardy Häman Aktell was good in his NHL debut. He did have a goal against when Brendan Gallagher beat him to the net. He also took a penalty.
The Capitals are back in action on Tuesday, Oct. 24 when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs at Capital One Arena.
By Jacob Cheris
Agree on D. Not only they need to split them up, they need help. They need a trade. The only player they can trade is Kuzy, or one of the younger guys. Nobody will take Mantha, Oshie, etc. One great D mam can change this team. What about playing Kuzy or Strome together (one of them on the wing) on the first line? They would have to put McM as the 3rd C and play 7D. Or, when Dowd returns, they would him as 3d C. I think it’s time to do something creative.
They need to sit Backstrom is what they need to do. Strome has to drive that first PP unit and they also should give MCM some PP time. Dowd as 3c and Protas 4c. Switch Mcm and Kuzy from time to time. Backstrom can’t play he’s making everyone worst and he does’nt even kill penalty. GMBM made quite a mess of this team over the last few season, it did’nt need to be this way.
If Backstrom gets benched, who plays in his place? Dowd is out.
Or would a defenseman have to be traded or even waived to bring up a forward from Hershey?
Play McM at center t’il Dowd comes back bring up Miro or Frank.
Should have bought out Mantha in June and Backy. Then there would be no Cap issues. Bad move on the owner to have his head up his arse in the clouds thinking that this team is even capable of competing for a playoff spot the next 5-8 years. If that had been done then CMM would be playing his natural position and any number of guys in Hershey could be called up to see if they could fill the other slot and if they can’t no big deal as this is not, no matter what the delusional owner says a playoff team. Would definitely be more exciting t see the young guys even if they lose than the old, slow players who are finished but the owner will not give them the door. I can’t wait to see the marketing go backwards and do what they did about 20 years ago…..Come see (place other teams star players name here) play!
Backstrom had a good game and has played well.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Right. Just because he’s able to skate up and down the ice instead of limping does’nt mean he played well. As a 3rd liner he’s very good at preventing offense, his and his teamates.
Totally agree! HE and Mantha should both have been bought out this summer. Neither has anything to offer in a positive manner. Blame this on the delusional owner who still thinks that this is a playoff team and contender for the Cup!!
We get it Franky. You have been wanting to take Backstrom out back and shoot him in the head for two years. You only see what you want to see. He hasn’t been that bad. Backstrom certainly isn’t playing at a 9.2M level but he has been very good at the dot. Good puck control including the PP which obviously hasn’t scored yet. This isn’t Pee Wee hockey. Winning matters. Getting your best players on the ice matters. Dealing with contracts matters. Building culture matters. Selling tickets matters. You can continue to bitch about Backstrom, but he isn’t going anywhere until his contract is up because of all of the things I just mentioned.
Not 2 years, at least 5. He’ s been underpeforming for quite a while. Since clearly most caps fan can’t or don’t want to see it, the last year of his last contract he only put up 1.6 pts per 60 at 5v5. That’s not top 6 production. Imagine the number on his back is not 19, would you be as forgiving? He’s barely playing better than a player picked off waiver on an entry level deal. He’s overpaid by at least 8 and does not deserve PP time. He’s good at the dot ??? Why. His inability to shoot is the reason the other team can focus as much on Ovy. They don’tgive a f**k about Backstrom why would they. The pass he makes to Carlson, any Pee Wee players can do that. He’s soft on the puck, average on face off, can’t shoot, can’t hit and can barely skate. You right about them letting him play his contract (althought a few empty seat could help solve that problem). If Ovy has’nt break the record in the next 2 season they will extend Backstrom.
I would feel differently if (a) It wasn’t 19 on his jersey, and (b) if he didn’t have a contract. But both of those things are true. In fact I was at front of line saying send CMM down last year because he wasn’t playing well. But he doesn’t have the credentials that Backstrom has. This isn’t fantasy hockey. This is a business with a lot of complexities to it. I am a season ticket holder and my seats are always filled. And I plan to keep paying for them and supporting the team and GMBM whom I think is a very good GM (whom has made mistakes like other GM’s but still damn good).
Exactly this is’nt fantasy hockey, you have to coach to give your team the best chance to win. No player is above the team the way they handle Backstrom, not to hurt is feelings, is only hurting the team. You talked about the culture in Washington, how many players have asked to be traded other than Kuzy who did’nt seemed too thrilled about the culture. Why do you think he overpaid that much for Jensen and TVR, both 3rd pair Dmen. Graves and Dumba singned for almost the same amount and are much better options. Nobody wants to sign here it’s a loosing team with no identity. GMBM sucks, every time he makes a good move he makes 5 bad ones.
LMAO….and what film were you watching….from 2918 or earlier? Sorry dude but Backy sucks as he has no speed or movement. He, Mantha and Carlson should all ahve been bought out this summer along with Oshie.
IMO, as the author says, the D can’t handle a hard forecheck although HAA didn’t seem to have a problem. We also offer no real forecheck but rather allow the opposing O to reach their blue li e and often the center line without offering any resistance. It’s no wonder that we’re on our heels constantly in our own zone.
In the third video, all 3 forwards AND a defenseman (Sandin) appear to be at the redline when TVR makes the pass – i.e., all straight across in one line (and one of them isn’t even looking back at a possible pass). I just don’t get this. I was always taught you need some vertical depth. This reminds me of the video you posted where all the forwards instantly blew the d-zone after the faceoff. Could this possibly be Carbery’s system?! I’m not sure what TVR was supposed to do here.
Good effort last night. We just can’t score and our D is weak. Can’t fault the effort.
CMac should be in Backstrom’s place on the power play. He’s the perfect counterbalance for Ovie there. He’ll rip a shot, he can skate, he can get the puck and he can pass.
Aktell had a solid game. He fits. Ovie showed signs of life. Oshie created some chances. Kuzy creates offense and that’s gotta be enough because that’s it. I don’t see a thing in Mantha or, sadly, Backstrom.
Jon, I don’t quite agree with your assessment of Hardy on the Gallagher goal. You mention in this post, and your post last night, that Gallagher went around Hardy for the goal. The way I saw it during the game, and looking at a few different replays, Monahan went around Hardy on the outside, but Hardy maintained enough contact that prevented Monahan from getting to the crease. He then passed the puck out front to Gallagher for the goal. Gallagher skated right around Kuzy to get the pass. To me that goal is on Kuzy not Hardy. But that’s just my opinion.
Hi Rich. I am the author of this post. I think it was on both now that you bring that up and in watching the goal again. However, if you look at the replay, look closely at Häman Aktell. He stopped moving his feet and was only gliding. I thought Gallagher took it to the post and not Monahan, but regardless, Häman Aktell wasn’t trying to his stick on the puck. You’re right that Kuznetsov should have done a better job of taking the late guy Gallagher, but Häman Aktell needed to move his feet. Thank you for reading!
Awarding credit/recognitions for failures is how you win Cups
“Anthony Mantha Engaged
Anthony Mantha has been on the chopping block for quite some time now. The right-winger was a healthy scratch in the game against the Calgary Flames, but returned to the lineup against the Ottawa Senators after Dowd went down with an injury. However, Saturday was his best game by far. Late in the first period, he was in a 2-on-1 with Ovechkin to try and give the Caps a late lead, but Canadiens goaltender Jake Allen denied him at the post. ”
This is where we have fallen to, promoting players for almost contributing in coring a goal. “He did not score but at least he had his skates tied right this time”
LMAO…..wait until they resort to the marketing they did before Ovie arrived: Come see (insert others teams stars name) play!! I can remember when there were more sweaters from other teams in the building than Caps sweaters for games and that is about to happen again! Sellout streak is over Ted now what you going do?
Hey Jacob, thanks for the response. Don’t misunderstand me, I am not saying that Hardy didn’t lose position with Monahan. But, if he is going to do that better it happen to the outside. Monahan clearly had more control of that play than HHA. My point was that even with the mistake, Hardy still forced Monahan to the goal line away from the crease. Monahan did what he should have done and dumped the puck in front. If Kuzy had any sense of urgency he could have prevented the pass to Gallagher. If you watch the replays Kuzy started coasting back towards the Caps zone just before the red line. Gallagher came around Kuzy just as the puck arrived and buried it in the net. My point is all hockey players get beat from time to time. Hardy got beat to the outside but didn’t give up. Kuzy’s lack luster attempt to get in position defensively was the reason Gallagher buried the goal. Just my opinion, not saying you can’t have yours.
Ovie said he would retire if team wasn’t competitive. Ta ta
What and give up the money…never. He wants every penny. He has been doing the same shot for years and it was very very good. I think tht now Coaches have seen it enough to have a good play to disrupt it and the fact that there are no other shooters on his line why defend others as Ovies’ forte is not passing. However if he does go please take Mantha, Backy, Oshie adn Carlson with you!!
Ovechkin is an embarrassment on the ice. It must be in his contract that no one on the air ever calls him out. He’s the “Great 8” and “the Captain” and the gushing over him is disgusting. He’s a shell of what he was. Other teams and players know that when he’s on the ice, he’s a one dimensional player and they can count on him not being a factor on defense. Bad things happen to the Caps when he’s on the ice. He’s a huge liability.
That management allowed Hathaway, Sheary, Eller and Orlov to go instead of Kutznetsov, Backstrom and Mantha shows what a freak show is going on. Those guys at least hustled and tried and played both ends when they were on the ice.
This is a bad hockey team committed to ideas connected to numbers on jerseys and what they meant 5 years ago. Ovechkin is like Paul McCartney on tour right now. He looks like a Beatle but he can’t sing anymore. Backstrom lumbers up and down the ice and Kutznetsov could care less. The seats will get start getting empty. BM made a major miscalculation on personnel. The ratings on Monumental sports will drop as well. The bottom line is money and someone bet on the wrong numbers.