The Capitals picked up a 3-2 win in Columbus.
Pierre-Luc Dubois' second-ever game for the Washington Capitals carried some more significance for him, as he returned to face his former Columbus Blue Jackets. It was a big moment as he looked to continue proving himself and getting back to his game, and he lived up to it on Monday.
Dubois had a multi-point showing, while the Capitals were solid overall in a 3-1 win over Columbus.
Here are all the takeaways from the victory.
Dubois Takes Center Stage, Shows Potential With Strong Outing
As he enters a new year with his fourth team in four years, Dubois is changing his mindset and choosing not to overthink or put too much stock into the outside noise as he looks to make the most of his fresh start. And his showing in Monday's win was a good step in that direction.
The 26-year-old was stellar against his former team, as he moved well, made impressive plays and showcased his speed, finesse and powerful shot. He also continues to work well with Tom Wilson, as he assisted on Wilson's first goal. He later got one of his own, beating the buzzer in the second period with a power-play strike off a one-time feed from No 43.
Dubois has three points through two preseason outings for D.C., and watching him on the ice, he appears confident, refreshed and determined to impress. The effort is there, and the potential's easy to see. Now, it's just about keeping it going.
Duhaime-Dowd-Raddysh Line Keeps Humming
The Capitals picked up Brandon Duhaime and Taylor Raddysh in free agency with the expectation that they'd be perfect new linemates for Nic Dowd. They've been that – and more — as they continue to provide synergy together on that fourth line.
That trio has outstanding chemistry and synergy together, as their respective games complement one another to a tee.
In the first period, it was Duhaime's physicality that helped set up the first goal, as he forechecked hard and won a battle for the puck before getting it up to Dowd, who fired home a shot on his off-wing to give D.C. the lead.
That line has combined for seven points in their two preseason appearances so far.
Raddysh and company generated good speed and pressure throughout the night, while also taking care of business in their own end and eating heavy minutes.
They're expected to keep that going through the year, and what D.C. has seen so far is a great sign of things to come.
Logan Thompson Puts On Show, Defense Solid In Win
Logan Thompson again had a standout showing after a stellar debut with Washington back on Wednesday, as the 27-year-old stood tall once again against Columbus.
Thompson was agile and quick in the crease, reading the play well and solid in shutting down a handful of breakaways and odd-man rushes. He did take a hard hit in the third but recovered and finished the game.
He finished the night with 24 saves on 26 shots (.923 save percentage)
Top Shelf Takes
- Jakub Vrana and Ivan Miroshnichenko both had strong showing as they continue to push for a roster spot. Vrana had two shots and used his speed to his advantage, and also drew a penalty. Miroshnichenko was impressive too, drawing a penalty of his own and picking up a secondary assist on the power play. Both logged time on the PP.
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Rasmus Sandin was a minus-1` and led with three shots on goal in his preseason debut.
