Unsung hero scores first goal as a Cap. No, not Boone Jenner

While Boone Jenner will get most of the accolades after he scored the game-winning goal against the Rangers Friday night (his first goal as a Washington Capital), the real unsung hero was defenseman Timothy Liljegren. Liljegren also scored his first goal as a Capital more than six months since coming to Washington while playing over 19 minutes, a season high. With top shutdown defenseman Matt Roy out with an injury, Liljegren more than rose to the occasion.

Liljegren is more defensive minded, but the coaching staff thought he had some untapped potential to produce more points from the point. With Roy still sidelined, Carbery paired Liljegren with their top defenseman Jakob Chychrun and so far, the move has paid off. With the score 1-0 in favor of New York, Liljegren ripped a slap-shot past Rangers backup Dylan Garand in the second period, tying the game.

Caps’ general manager Chris Patrick acquired Liljegren at the trade deadline last March from the San Jose Sharks after right-handed John Carlson was traded to the Anaheim Ducks. Liljegren played with Capitals defenseman Rasmus Sandin in their native Sweden, as well as together with the Toronto Maple Leafs before Sandin was traded to Washington in February 2023. Patrick thought the pair would give the Capitals a solid third pairing who were already familiar with each other from their days together in Toronto. But then Sandin tore his ACL and had surgery last April. Still, the Caps had seen enough from no. 27 that they re-signed him to a two-year contract extension this past May.

While the Capitals depth at forward has been talked about more this offseason, there defenseive depth was on full display last night. The Caps limited the Rangers to just 21 shots thanks to efforts like Liljegren's. He had 22 shifts, played a season high 19:14 minutes, two shots, 1 block and scored a goal.

It is a testament to the Capitals’ scouting department and their coaching staff that players like Liljegren are ready to step up and not miss a beat. If Liljegren keeps playing like he did last night, then when Roy is ready to go and Sandin returns, the Caps be stacked on the blue-line.

Congrats to Liljegren on his first goal as a Washington Capital! It took 7 months, but it came at a perfect time as the Caps defeated a division rival. Let’s hope he pots the next one sooner than the first.

Caps Dump and Chase:

- The burgeoning chemistry between Dylan Strome and Ryan Leonard continues. Both assisted on Liljegren’s goal, giving Strome 4 points and Leonard 3 points in four games. The Caps might have something special developing between these two.

- Tom Wilson scored his 20th career empty-net goal to ice the game last night. Only 52 more empty netters to tie Alex Ovechkin for the all-time lead.

- The Caps limited the Rangers to just 21 shots and goalie Logan Thompsonlooked sharp in net. Thompson is 3-0 on the season with a 2.00 GAA and a .929 save percentage

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