Capitals shut out Coyotes in college rink

Dylan Strome scored twice and Darcy Kuemper made 26 saves for his league leading fifth shutout of the season as the Washington Capitals defeated the Arizona Coyotes 4-0 from Mullett Arena on the campus of Arizona State.

Strome scored the first goal of the game at 3:03 on a deflection from a shot by Dmitry Orlov while Nick Jensen won the face off draw. Orlov’s shot was a one timer. Strome redirected it in.

1-0 was the score after one as shots were even at seven apiece.

In the second period the Caps doubled their lead late with a goal from Sonny Milano for his eighth goal of the season at 17:32. That was assisted by Tom Wilson and Nicklas Backstrom.

Then the Caps got a power play and Tom Wilson scored his second goal of the season at 18:41. Orlov and Evgeny Kuznetsov had the helpers.

3-0 was the score after two with the Caps leading in shots 13-7 in the second period.

Strome capped the game off by scoring his 11th goal of the season at 8:41. That was assisted by Kuznetsov and Marcus Johansson.

Strome told the media after the game:

“It was more about our team. Tough loss last game, so it was nice to come on the road and start the road trip off on the right foot. Against your old team is always a bit of a bonus.”

Both Strome and Kuemper had good games against their former team. Strome was drafted third overall by the Coyotes in 2015. Kuemper played on the Coyotes from 2017-18 to 2021.

The Caps enjoyed their time at the college campus 5,000 seat Mullett Arena as a handful of them had played college hockey. T.J. Oshie said after morning skate that the ice was “phenomenal”.

The Capitals continue their road trip on Saturday night against the Vegas Golden Knights at 10 p.m.