The Washington Capitals had an early lead against the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs. However, their advantage dissipated as quickly as autumn leaves carried away by a November wind, resulting in another disheartening loss.
Taylor Raddysh, hailing from Ontario, opened the scoring, crashing the net with help from Connor McMichael. Bobby McCann leveled the game for Toronto with an assist from John Tavares. The Caps regained the lead through Dylan Strome, also from Ontario. Aliaksei Protas, who wasn’t born in Ontario but had an assist on that goal, then scored himself, racing down the ice alongside Ovechkin and Sandin.
With four minutes remaining in the third period, Ontarian Tom Wilson made a costly error, giving up the puck along the blue line. This allowed Matthew Knies to cut the deficit to one goal. The Leafs capitalized on a delayed penalty call, tying it with Mitch Marner scoring seconds into a six-on-four power play, assisted by Tavares.
Tavares ultimately won the game in the final seconds of overtime for the Leafs.
The Caps lost.
- Before delving into the disappointment: The top line remains a powerhouse. Aliaksei Protas’s tenacious forecheck played a key role in Dylan Strome’s goal, showcasing his developing offensive skills. Ovechkin frequently seems engaged and skating actively.
- For Toronto’s first goal, Matt Roy was outplayed by John Tavares, but Rasmus Sandin’s defensive lapse was ultimately more concerning. Despite this, Sandin redeemed himself with a brilliant assist on Protas’s goal.
BOBBY MCMANN 🚨
but JOHN TAVARES! pic.twitter.com/bYj5mbq6Cv
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) November 14, 2024
- John Carlson launched a powerful shot from the blue line that could have made it 3-1. However, Nic Dowd accidentally knocked into Joseph Woll in the crease, leading to an overturned goal after a video challenge. The ambiguous nature of what constitutes “goaltending interference” remains a constant source of debate.
- While I technically know what goaltender interference is, I’m choosing to remain deliberately evasive on this topic.
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- On the flip side, Steven Lorentz also had a goal overturned because he directed the puck into the net using his glove or leg – essentially using an unorthodox combination of equipment known as a “glove-leg.” I was completely convinced it counted. Maybe my vision is failing, or I’m losing my mind. I think I need to draw myself a clock and relax after this post goes live.
- Matthew Knies’s goal, meanwhile, was gift-wrapped for the Leafs by Tom Wilson’s disastrous mistake .
- The Capitals took another hit, and the game finished with a score of 7-2. The loss stung, especially after their hot start.
- It’s rare for a team that’s supposed to be good to lose like this against a lesser opponent. The mistakes Washington made were glaring, particularly the late penalty called on Nic Dowd, which is something I’m sure will bother him for the next few days. There’s no denying that those mistakes ultimately cost them the game.
- There are various ways to enjoy hockey, and this from Drew, who designed the website, might be one of the most peculiar:
here’s how a friend of ours watches hockey these daysis this normal
hoo boy this is QUITE THE SUIT from Joe #joebsuitofthenight pic.twitter.com/XlYPpnWpOv
— RMNB (@rmnb) November 14, 2024
This nationally televised game felt like a coming-out party for Washington. They’re no longer under the radar; everyone is taking notice of this team. For twenty minutes at least.
Can’t really explain this Capitals season. Everything about this franchise has been a riddle in the last two decades. But they’re goooooood.
— Travis Yost (@travisyost.bsky.social) 2024-11-14T01:51:33.282Z
There’s something incredibly wholesome about the Capitals adding several talented players and reaping the rewards.
— Sean Gentille (@seangentille.bsky.social) 2024-11-14T01:29:59.830Z
It’s peculiar to consider TOR-WSH as a top defensive against top offensive matchup, with Toronto taking the defensive role. Washington’s offense is truly impressive.
— Steve Burtch (@stephenburtch.bsky.social) 2024-11-14T00:17:57.008Z
However, that narrative shifted as the Capitals stumbled. They struggled to maintain puck possession after the first period, particularly in the third. Their dependence on Logan Thompson, now seemingly the team’s de facto starter, to bail them out isn’t sustainable. The Capitals haven’t secured consecutive wins this month. Now they face a formidable challenge in Colorado against an Avalanche team enduring a difficult streak.
