Dylan Strome has played well for the Washington Capitals during the first month of the season, something began in the preseason. After watching Strome and Ryan Leonard light it up in two exhibition games together, I wrote that Strome was poised to have a monster year. After not getting many quality chances or lucky bounces, in last night’s win against Buffalo, Strome scored twice and had assists on the other two Caps goals, both scored by Alex Tuch, the last of which was Tuch’s OT game winner. Strome had his best game of the season when the Caps needed it.
“I felt like today with the puck he was so crisp…all of his decisions were spot,” head coach Spencer Carbery said after the game, “hitting guys on the tape, making really good decisions…”
The line of Strome, Tuch, and Jordan Kyrou played very well, showing off their newfound chemistry. Kyrou had two assists, Tuch had the two goals, and Strome finished with three points to tie Tuch for the team lead with nine points.
“I think me, Kyrou, and Tucky have had some really good chemistry…since we got put together,” Strome told reporters in the locker room after the game. “When you’re playing with those guys…Kyrou is so fast and so is Tucky. It makes my job really easy.”
Even though it’s only been ten games, the Caps have yet to find a rhythm. Their new players are still adjusting and more idle time between games has slowed their progress. The win against the Sabres came after a three-day break and they have another three days off before they play the Flyers on Wednesday evening.
While the extra rest has certainly been good for injured players like Dubois and Matt Roy, it didn’t do the coaching staff any favors. It would be difficult for any team to find its identity with so many days off between games after a shortened preseason gave the Caps fewer games to integrate their offseason acquisitions into their system. The one constant that Carbery has been able to rely on is Strome, who has played well all year despite having just one goal in nine games before last night. The Capitals alternate captain was finally rewarded for his effort last night.
“I thought he was the best player out there tonight,” Tuch said. “Always got his head up, so much poise, always looking for the next play.”
The Caps will have to wait until they play Philly on Wednesday to try and win three games in a row for the first time this season. Now that he has scored a couple of goals after being a little bit snakebit, Strome hopes their inspired play will continue to help the Caps extend their streak. Carbery is still fiddling with the lineup to find the right combinations, but seems to have hit on something with Tuch, Kyrou, and Strome playing together.
“It’s obviously nice to get rewarded," Strome pointed out. "So, just trying to stay, you know, positive mindset and know that…it’s a good thing I am getting chances.”
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