The Washington Capitals achieved their first win of the season against the previously unbeaten Vegas team. They will now aim for their initial winning streak of the year against the still-undefeated Dallas Stars.
Charlie Lindgren is set to return as goaltender after losing his start on Opening Night against New Jersey. Apart from that, there will be no changes to the Capitals’ lineup from Tuesday.
Dallas enters the matchup with a record of 4-0-0, demonstrating a formidable defense that has allowed only five goals in total this season. Earlier in the day, goaltender Jake Oettinger signed an eight-year contract extension worth $66 million, which averages $8.25 million per season. In tonight’s game, backup Casey DeSmith will take the starting role.
The Capitals vs. Stars game will be broadcast live on the Monumental Sports Network, with the puck dropping shortly after 7 PM. Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin will provide the commentary.
The Capitals have not defeated the Stars in D.C. since March 20, 2018. Avoid checking the lineup, as it could be disheartening.
Lines
Washington Capitals
Vrana
Lapierre
Mangiapane
Dallas Stars
Marchment
Duchene
Dadonov
Tunnel Shenanigans
New fixation: Chychy’s headbands#ALLCAPS | @CaesarsSports pic.twitter.com/vegpQsaHEu
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 17, 2024
1st Period
The puck has officially dropped.
The Capitals initiate the match with their fourth line: Duhaime, Dowd, and Raddysh, while Fehervary and McIlrath take positions on defense.
At 2:51 into the game, the Caps earn a power play as Ilya Lyubushkin receives a two-minute minor for cross-checking.
🚨 1-0 Dallas Stars. DAL SHG: Colin Blackwell (1). Unassisted. Time: 12
Tom Wilson turns over the puck along the boards. John Carlson steps in but fails to manage the chip at the blue line, allowing Blackwell to charge in alone against Lindgren.
A heavy cross-check from Andrew Mangiapane sends Stars defenseman Brendan Smith to the locker room, clutching his right arm and shoulder. Mangiapane received a two-minute minor penalty for the incident.
The Capitals’ penalty killers came close to scoring twice in this period.
At intermission: Following a sluggish first period, the Stars are ahead in shots, leading 7 to 6, and 5v5 attempts at 9 to 6.
2nd Period
The puck is dropped.
🚨 1-1 tie. WSH goal: Tom Wilson (3). Assists: P. Dubois (2), C. McMichael (2). Time: 0:55.
Tom Wilson receives a bump pass from PLD and slots it past DeSmith. This marks his third consecutive game scoring, and he’s on track to hit 30 goals this season.
Protas gets struck by a puck that heads into the bench, flexing his right arm afterward.
Brendan Smith returns to the ice after his injury in the first period.
🚨 2-1 Washington Capitals. WSH goal: Dylan Strome (3). Assists: J. Carlson (3), A. Protas (1). Time: 06:15.
Strome finds the net with a low shot from the point, sneaking it past DeSmith. The Capitals take the 2-1 lead after scoring two goals in just 5:50. According to Capitals PR, Strome’s three-game point streak (2g-2a–4p) at the start of the 2024-25 season is the longest he’s had at the beginning of a season in his career.
🚨 2-2 tie. DAL goal: Jason Robertson (2). Assists: R. Hintz (2), W. Johnston (4). Time: 13:09.
Wyatt Johnson shoots through a screen, and Robertson locates the loose puck in his skates. Lindgren, who was screened, could only watch helplessly.
🚨 3-2 Washington Capitals. WSH goal: Taylor Raddysh (1). Unassisted. Time: 17:19.
Raddysh finds the back of the net after shooting through two screens created by his linemates, Nic Dowd and Brandon Duhaime. Dowd greeted him at the bench with a big hug in celebration.
This goal was set up by excellent board work from Rasmus Sandin and Tom Wilson near the end of their shifts.
They kept the puck in the offensive zone, allowing the fourth line to take advantage.
— RMNB (@rmnb) October 18, 2024
At intermission: The Caps lead in shots, 18 to 14, and also lead in 5v5 shot attempts, 18 to 14.
3rd Period
The puck is dropped.
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Capitals Aim for Back-to-Back Wins Against Undefeated Stars After First Victory of the Season
Current Season Overview
The Washington Capitals have made headlines this season with their recent victory, signaling a turning point after a challenging start. As they prepare to face the undefeated Dallas Stars, fans and analysts are buzzing with anticipation. This matchup not only represents a chance for the Capitals to secure back-to-back wins but also serves as a litmus test against one of the league’s top teams. Understanding the dynamics of this game requires an analysis of both teams’ strengths, weaknesses, and recent performances.
Capitals’ Recent Performance
After a rocky beginning to the season, the Capitals finally broke through with their first win. This victory has injected much-needed confidence into the squad. Here are some highlights from their recent game:
- Offensive Surge: The Capitals demonstrated a potent offensive strategy, scoring four goals in their last game.
- Defensive Improvements: The team’s defense, which had been a concern, showed significant improvement, limiting the opposition to under 30 shots.
- Special Teams Success: The power play converted twice, showcasing their ability to capitalize on opportunities.
Key Players to Watch
As the Capitals gear up for their next game against the Stars, several players will be crucial in their quest for a second consecutive win:
Alex Ovechkin
The legendary captain continues to be a scoring machine. His leadership on and off the ice provides the Capitals with both offensive firepower and experience.
John Carlson
A stalwart on defense, Carlson’s ability to transition the puck to offense will be vital against the Stars’ fast attack.
Darcy Kuemper
The goaltender has shown flashes of brilliance, and his performance will be critical in keeping the Dallas offense at bay.
Dallas Stars: A Force to Reckon With
The Dallas Stars enter this game undefeated and are considered one of the strongest teams in the league. Their recent performances have showcased a blend of defensive resilience and offensive prowess. Key aspects of their game include:
- Balanced Scoring: The Stars have multiple players contributing to their scoring, making them unpredictable.
- Elite Goaltending: Their goaltender has posted impressive save percentages, making it difficult for opponents to find the back of the net.
- Strong Special Teams: The Stars have been effective on both the power play and penalty kill, adding another layer of challenge for their opponents.
Game Strategy: Capitals vs. Stars
The Capitals will need to implement a multi-faceted game strategy to secure a victory against the Stars. Here are some key tactical considerations:
Offensive Strategy
- Utilize Speed: The Capitals should leverage their speed to create breakaway opportunities.
- Exploit Power Plays: Maximizing their power play opportunities will be crucial. Drawing penalties from the Stars can swing momentum.
- Traffic in Front of Goal: Creating screens and getting rebounds will be essential to beat the Star’s goaltender.
Defensive Strategy
- Zone Coverage: Solidifying their zone coverage will help contain the Stars’ aggressive forwards.
- Limiting Odd-Man Rushes: The Capitals must limit turnovers in their defensive zone to avoid giving the Stars easy chances.
- Physical Play: Engaging in physical play to disrupt the Stars’ rhythm can help even the odds.
Benefits of Winning Consecutive Games
A win against the Dallas Stars would not only mark back-to-back victories for the Capitals but also provide several benefits:
- Boosting Team Morale: Consecutive wins can significantly enhance team confidence and cohesion.
- Improved Standings: Securing points in the standings is critical, especially early in the season.
- Establishing Momentum: Winning builds momentum, which is crucial as the season progresses.
Case Study: Previous Encounters
Looking at past matchups between the Capitals and Stars provides insight into potential outcomes:
| Season | Result | Key Players |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | Capitals 3 – Stars 2 | Ovechkin, Kuemper |
| 2021-22 | Stars 4 - Capitals 1 | Benn, Oettinger |
| 2022-23 | Capitals 5 – Stars 4 (OT) | Kuznetsov, Johnston |
First-Hand Experience: Fan Expectations
Fans of the Capitals are filled with hope and excitement as they witness their team’s evolution this season. Many express confidence that the recent win is the start of a positive streak. Here are some common sentiments from the fan community:
- Optimism for the Future: Many fans believe that with Ovechkin leading the charge, the team can overcome tough opponents.
- Desire for Improved Team Chemistry: There’s a strong call for the players to find their rhythm, especially after a shaky start.
- Hope for Playoff Contention: Fans are hopeful that consecutive wins can set the tone for a playoff run, especially with the depth of talent on the roster.
Practical Tips for Fans Attending the Game
For those lucky enough to attend the game against the Stars, here are some tips to enhance your experience:
- Arrive Early: To avoid last-minute rushes, arrive before the gates open to soak in the atmosphere.
- Wear Team Colors: Show your support by wearing Capitals gear; it boosts morale and camaraderie among fans.
- Stay Hydrated: With the excitement of the game, don’t forget to drink water, especially if you’re cheering loudly!
Final Thoughts on the Upcoming Matchup
The upcoming game between the Capitals and the undefeated Stars promises to be a thrilling encounter. With both teams showcasing unique strengths and strategies, fans are in for an exciting matchup. The Capitals aim not only for their second consecutive win but also to establish themselves as formidable contenders this season. The stakes are high, and the energy will undoubtedly be palpable both on and off the ice.
