The Washington Capitals showed up to the Stadium Series arriving on school busses in varsity letter jackets that gave us all teenager and high school vibes. They even carried footballs! Sadly that was the best part of the day as the Capitals lost to the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1. The Canes sweep the season series. The undefeated outdoor game streak is over. And changes could be coming very soon
Jesperi Kotkaniemi struck first for the Hurricanes at 2:11. 1-0 was the score after one. Shots were 10-7 Carolina.
The Hurricanes added three more in the second to take a commanding 4-0 lead. Those goals came from Paul Stastny at 5:47, Martin Necas on the power play at 8:48 and Teuvo Teravainen at 11:17. Hurricanes led in shots 12-8.
Because it was a 4-0 game any minute in the third was garbage time. The Caps were outshot 13-10 in the third and 35-25 overall. But they did get a goal from Tom Wilson which did trigger some Canes fans. That came at 10:32 and was assisted by Sonny Milano.
Now that the Caps have lost four in a row after beating the mighty Presidents Trophy leading Boston Bruins eight days ago, there has to be some changes that should be made.
Sorry Lars Eller and Anthony Mantha. One or both of you should be moved. But they’re not the only ones. There’s other forwards and defensemen on expiring contracts. In fact the entire blue line minus John Carlson will be free agents this summer.
There has to be a way to get younger. Trade away some of the veterans on expiring deals, get some draft capital and some good first round picks and get younger naturally.
Having covered two of Ted Leonsis’ teams for the last several years, I know he’s competitive and not a tanker. I’m not saying rebuild. I say trade up, sell and still try to win games. Snag a wild card spot or just miss the playoffs and reload for next season for the home stretch of Alex Ovechkin’s career.