Capitals Dominate Metro Division, Senators Fight for Wildcard Spot
Washington Capitals vs Ottawa Senators
The Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators face off in a key Eastern Conference matchup on Thursday evening. Both teams come into this game with contrasting goals: Washington, perched atop the Metro Division, aims to extend its dominance, while Ottawa, fighting for a playoff spot, looks to close the gap and secure crucial points. With both teams in good form, this matchup promises to be an exciting one. Let’s break down the key statistics, players, and trends to watch as these two teams square off.
Washington Capitals: Dominating the Metro Division
The Washington Capitals have been one of the most impressive teams in the NHL this season, sitting atop the Metropolitan Division and holding the most points in the league. With a 29-10-3-2 record, Washington leads the division by six points over the second-place Devils. The Capitals have been particularly solid over the past five games, going 3-0-2. Their most recent victory came in a 3-0 home win over the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday.
Offensively, the Capitals have been lethal, averaging 3.6 goals per game, good for second in the NHL. Dylan Strome has been a standout player this month, contributing six points. With 46 points and a +10 rating on the season, the 27-year-old center has been the focal point of the Capitals’ offensive attack. Aliakski Protas, at just 24 years old, is having a breakout season with 36 points and an impressive +24 rating. However, Connor McMichael has struggled in January, recording only two points. Tom Wilson continues to play at a high level with 32 points, while Jakob Chychrun anchors the defense with 30 points and solid ice time (averaging 20 minutes per game).
In goal, the Capitals have two reliable options. Charlie Lindgren has posted a 2.65 GAA and a .901 save percentage, while Logan Thompson has been nothing short of spectacular this season. Thompson, with a 19-2-3 record, leads the NHL with a 2.23 GAA and a .921 save percentage. His stellar play has been crucial in Washington’s pursuit of the top spot in the league standings. Defensively, Washington is allowing just 2.6 goals per game (5th in the NHL), and their solid penalty kill ensures they are one of the toughest teams to break down.
Ottawa Senators: Fighting for a Wildcard Spot
The Ottawa Senators are currently sitting just outside the wildcard race in the Eastern Conference, trailing by a single point entering Wednesday’s games. After a rough stretch where they lost four straight, the Senators have bounced back with three consecutive wins, including impressive victories over the Dallas Stars and the New York Islanders.
Ottawa has averaged 2.9 goals per game (21st in the NHL) but has been inconsistent on offense. Tim Stutzle, the young center, has 43 points but has only posted three points in January. Brady Tkachuk, another key player, has had a quieter stretch, managing just one point in his last five games. Drake Batherson has been in a similar slump, contributing only three points this month. However, Jake Sanderson has been a bright spot on defense, contributing 24 points and averaging 24 minutes of ice time per game. If Ottawa is to push for a playoff spot, these key players must find their scoring touch.
The Senators’ goaltending situation has been a bit of a concern. Linus Ullmark, typically their number-one option, is currently on injured reserve with a back injury. He has posted a solid 2.38 GAA and .915 save percentage on the season. In his absence, Anton Forsberg has struggled, with a 3.10 GAA, an .883 save percentage, and a 4-8-1 record. However, rookie Levi Merilainen has stepped up admirably, recording a 1.99 GAA, a .925 save percentage, and a 5-2 record. Merilainen’s solid play will be crucial as the Senators look to stay in playoff contention.
Defensively, the Senators are conceding an average of 2.8 goals per game, ranking 11th in the NHL. However, their penalty kill is still a work in progress, and they will need to improve in this area to keep pace with high-scoring teams like Washington.
Conclusion
While the Ottawa Senators have shown resilience with their recent three-game win streak, they face a formidable opponent in the Washington Capitals. Washington’s elite goaltending, combined with their potent offense, gives them a clear edge in this matchup. The Capitals’ depth, including standout players like Dylan Strome and Aliakski Protas, should be too much for Ottawa’s inconsistent defense to handle.
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