Capitals shutout defending champs

The Washington Capitals turned in an impressive 3-0 win over the defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights. Charlie Lindgren was a brick wall as he made 35 saves.

Dylan Strome broke out of his brief five game scoring slump with his team leading seventh goal of the season. Sonny Milano fed Strome the puck and he drove to the net to finish. The goal came at 16:39.

1-0 was the score after one. The Golden Knights outshot the Caps 14-10 in the first period. The second period was scoreless as shots were even at 11 apiece in the second. In the third period shots were even at 10 apiece. The Golden Knights outshot the Caps 35-31 but couldn’t solve Lindgren.

Connor McMichael gave the Caps a much more comfortable lead with an empty net goal at 19:11. It was assisted by John Carlson and Rasmus Sandin. It was McMichael’s fourth goal of the season.

Beck Malenstyn put it away by stealing the puck and notching a breakaway goal at 19:27. It was his second goal of the season. For Lindgren, it was his first shutout was a member of the Capitals and the third of his career.

Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery talked about Lindgren’s impressive performance:

“Just fantastic all night. Go down the list. The breakaways. All the different saves in tight. Some screens and tips and rebounds. He had it all…He was the difference in the game.”

Carbery also talked about their opponents and how good they are, which makes this win even better:

“That’s the best team we’ve seen. Their ability to keep you on your heels…I hope we can get there. That’s my vision, to be able to hold onto pucks, cut back, accelerate away from pressure. They’ve got some world class players but I feel like we do, too.”

The Capitals next game will be on home ice against the Columbus Blue Jackets with the game starting at 7:30 p.m. on Monumental Sports Network.