Hello All,

The Washington Capitals won a gutsy game at soon to be Crypto.com Arena last night for the second half of their back-to-back. For LA, the Kings were on an 8-game point streak prior to last nights loss.

Here Are the Stats:

Shots on Goal:

WSH – 38
LAK – 34

Shots on Goal (5v5):

WSH – 31
LAK – 27

Corsi For %:
WSH – 49.57%
LAK – 50.43%

Corsi For % (5v5):
WSH – 49.48%
LAK – 50.52%

Power Play:

WSH – 0/2
LAK – 0/1

Hits:

WSH – 33
LAK – 20

Blocks:

WSH – 15
LAK - 13

Scoring Chances For:

WSH – 23
LAK – 32

Scoring Chances For (5v5):

WSH – 19
LAK – 28

High Danger Chances For:

WSH – 9
LAK – 13

High Danger Chances For: (5v5):

WSH – 9
LAK – 12

My Takeaways:

Samsonov Stands Tall – The tale of Ilya Samsonov over the years has been a roller coaster. He was essentially pegged to be the “chosen one” in the post Braden Holtby era. Between injuries, covid, and the rise of Vitek Vanecek, Samsonov has slid into mostly backup duties this season. Oddly enough, Samsonov has probably looked his best he has in his career this season. It is amazing what happens when players get consistent ice time! Samsonov posted his second shutout of the season against the Kings in a game where it was the Kings who had more scoring chances and high danger chances. Sammy stood strong! For goalies who have played a minimum of five games, Samsonov ranks 14th in the league with a 2.45 GAA. He also ranks 22nd in SV% at .914. For reference, Samsonov ranked around 45th for these same stats last year. The Kings applied some great pressure at times and generated consistent chances. Without Samsonov, the Caps likely lose this game to the streaking Kings.

Hathaway Leads the Way - I have talked at length about the Capitals needing depth players to step up in the absence of Backstrom, Oshie, Mantha, and Dowd. Ovi and Kuzy simply cannot carry the offensive load every single night! Hathaway has made his presence felt the last week or so! In his last four games, Hathaway has 4G-2A-6P! For a 4th line winger, that is not too shabby! It should be noted that when Hathaway scored the goal to break the 0-0 late in the game, he was on a line with Sprong and Kuznetsov. Now that is a different look from Laviolette for sure.

Capitals Surviving Injury Onslaught – Despite being ravaged by injuries, the Capitals are still winning games. If they are not winning them, they are usually at least making it to OT. Unfortunately for the Caps, they are 0-5 in OT but at least they are earning points. Many people thought the Caps would take a step back this year. I bet even more expected the Caps to fizzle out early with the injuries they are dealing with. Look at a team like Pittsburgh for example. I think it is fair or maybe unfair to say some people coupled the Caps and the Pens as two older teams who were going to take a step back this year. The Pens are dealing with their own onslaught of injuries. After starting off the season practically on fire, the Penguins have certainly come to planet earth. I am sure there is more going on in Pittsburgh other than "injuries" but its health is certainly a major factor not just for them but for any teams chance for consistent success in the NHL. The Capitals more often than not would likely follow a similar trajectory, but the Caps have found ways to win meaningful games, even with the deck stacked against them in some regards. I credit our top contract guys (who are healthy) for producing, goaltending, and rookies fillings in seamlessly when called upon.

Next Up the Capitals continue their west coast road trip and head to San Jose for a 10:30pm ET on Saturday 11/20.

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