The Washington Capitals got their first win of the preseason with a 4-3 win over the Detroit Red Wings. Overall I thought the offense was what stood out to me.
While nobody scored and the Caps got outshot 10-5, it was a combination of new folks adjusting and the veterans dusting off the rust. The goals came aplenty the next two periods.
Ivan Miroshnichenko made a good first impression. He helped create Nicklas Backstrom’s goal which was started by the 2022 first round draft pick and continued with Alex Ovechkin completing a pass to Backstrom through a defender’s legs.
The second line also put in work. Evgeny Kuznetsov, who will have all the eyes in the world on him for the wrong reasons, won a face off draw and the puck went to Tom Wilson. The new contract extension man ripped it in.
In our predictions for Rasmus Sandin, we felt like his pairing with John Carlson could open more offense for him. That’s exactly what happened in the third period as both defensemen scored. Sandin’s shot went from downtown. Carlson put the Caps in a good enough lead for them to hang on despite the late push from the Red Wings.
Grade A-: Overall the offense created chances with the top two lines shining and two of the Caps best defensemen getting late goals to seal the win. The slow start in the first period like I said came from the rust.
Carly and Miro link up for the score pic.twitter.com/SF4J3XOGu5
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) September 29, 2023
Miroshnichenko had two assists on the night along with three shots and three hits. He was definitely the most noticeable new guy that was on the ice. Sandin not only got a goal but it also came from the second power play unit.
Connor McMichael also had a good game with four shots on the night. The Caps and Red Wings meet again in Mo Town tomorrow night.