Postgame Recap: Caps 3 Ducks 2 SO

 The Caps won their 3rd in a row with a shootout win over the Ducks. Jason Chimera and John Carlson would give the Caps a 2-1 lead, however Corey Perry would tie the game in the third. Philip Grubauer would make two big saves in the shootout and the Caps would get a big win over one of the best in the Western Conference.


Caps/Ducks Highlights:

My Thoughts:

*Jason Chimera got promoted to the second line and scored thanks to a great diving effort by Troy Brouwer to spring Evgeny Kuznetsov. Chimera joined for a two on none break and Kuzzy put a great pass to Chimera who beat Ilya Bryzgalov.

*Cameron Schilling made his Caps debut this season and played with Jack Hillen on the third defense pairing. Schilling, who is having a good season with the Hershey Bears played very well for his first NHL action of this season.

*Philip Grubauer was very good in net for the Caps last night. Again like Schilling it was Grubauer's first NHL game of the 2014-2015 season. He made a few good saved during the game but it was the two saves he made in the shootout that preserved the win. Barry Trotz said after the game that Grubauer will head back to Hershey as he wants him to play on a consistent basis. If you ask me Grubauer is ready to be in the NHL.

*Evgeny Kuznetsov is playing with more and more confidence as he has 4 points in the last 3 games. However, it's how he is playing. He is skating well making passes, and the most important part is he is plus player and has been defensively responsible.

*The Caps defense did a very good job last night when it came to protecting Philip Grubauer. The one 5 on 5 goal was on a bit of a lucky bounce. The first goal on the powerplay happened also because a defensemen lost his stick.

*Overall the Caps earn two big points and are on a three game winning streak. The Pens won last night so the Caps currently sit in 3rd in the Metro Division again. However, they are now only one point behind the Islanders for 2nd and two behind the Pens for the Division lead. So, there is definitely a lot to play for. Other Metro Division news is the Rangers will be without Henrik Lundquivt for 3 weeks with a neck injury.

*The Hershey Bears beat the Binghampton Senators 3-2 last night behind two goals by Chris Conner and a goal by Casey Wellman. Phoenix Copley got the win in net for the Bears who lead the Easr Division.


What's Next: Sunday Feb. 8th vs. Philadelphia 3 p.m on CSN and NHL Network