The Washington Capitals bring their NHL-leading 12-game point streak into Vancouver tonight in search of their seventh straight win and remain undefeated on their five-game road trip (2-0-0).
The Caps will battle a feisty, 20-17-10 Canucks team that sits five points out of the final wild card in the West. The team is led by slick-skating defenseman Quinn Hughes, who has 19 more points (52) than the next player JT Miller (33).
The Canucks will start Kevin Lankinen vs Charlie Lindgren in net.
The Capitals-Canucks game is airing on Monumental Sports Network2. Joe Beninati and Alan May will have the call. Puck drop is at 10:00 pm. Craig Laughlin is out due to a medical leave of absence. #LockerStrong.
1st Period
Puck is dropped.
Capitals first line has a dominant first shift owning time in the Canucks’ offensive zone for about a minute straight.
The Capitals have six of the first eight shots of the game.
Dylan Strome draws a tripping penalty on Vincent Desharnais at 9:02. Capitals going to their first power play of the game.
Back at even strength, the Capitals hit the post, the puck bounces out to Lars Eller in the crease, but he can’t sweep the puck home. The Tiger’s in disbelief.
🚨 1-0 Vancouver Canucks. VAN Goal: Quinn Hughes (13). Assists: N. Hoglander (7), F. Hronek (10). Time: 12:23.
Quinn Hughes scores on his backhand after juking around Brandon Duhaime. Nasty.
Vancouver to the power play after Martin Fehervary commits a tripping penalty against Danton Heinen.
John Carlson to the box for tripping Nils Hoglander at 18:57.
At intermission: The Canucks lead 1-0 despite the Capitals dominating much of the first period. Lankinen was the difference. Vancouver outshot Washington 13 to 12, but the Caps owned the five-on-five shot attempts advantage 17 to 12
2nd Period
The Canucks’s power play will extend 57 seconds into the second.
Puck is dropped.
JT Miller sprung on a breakaway off a set play, but can’t finish on his backhand. Capitals got caught there.
🚨 2-0 Vancouver Canucks. VAN Goal: Quinn Hughes (14). Assists: B. Boeser (16), F. Hronek (11). Time: 01:24.
After the power play expires, Hughes wheels at the blue line and sends a shot from the point that eludes Charlie Lindgren. Just a another brilliant play by a Norris Trophy-winning defenseman.
Ovechkin stopped again off a clean faceoff win by Dylan Strome. According to Alan May, he already has four on the evening.
Jakob Chychrun hits the post twice on the same shift.
JT Miller to the box for interfering Nic Dowd at 11:11.
At intermission: The Canucks are playing a strong game and have a 2-0 lead. The Capitals lead in shots 23 to 21 and in 5v5 shot attempts 37 to 35.
3rd Period
Puck is dropped.
