Talk about a breath of fresh air getting back some much needed and friendly faces especially one that we thought might not play this season. The Caps finally got Tom Wilson and Nicklas Backstrom back on the ice for the first time in a long time.
Wilson played his first game since May 3rd 2022, after he suffered an ACL injury.
Backstrom played his first game since May 13th 2022, he had hip surfacing surgery. If you are squeamish do not look up what that surgery looks like.
Both were on a “pitch count” in that they both only had around 14 mins in total ice time which is fine because we don’t want them rushing back into things. Lets let them get their sea legs back!
The Caps have been trending this season with playing down to their competition and a team they should have easily dominated they had to rely on great goaltending from Keumper and our incredibly huge pick up this season Erik Gustafsson. With this shutout by Keumps he is now tied for the league lead 4th shutout of the season. So all you haters can shut up we have two solid goalies enjoy it and relax!
As previously mentioned the Capitals played down to their competition to start the game allowing Columbus to control the neutral zone for the majority of the period.
Games like this are where your goaltender needs to step up and that’s exactly what Kuemper did games like this are the difference between a mediocre team and a playoff contending one. Keumper stopped all 37 shots he faced.
Erik Gustafsson scored the only goal of the night where kind of just sauced the puck at the goalie deflected off a Jacket’s defender and beat the Columbus tendy five-hole. This was his 7th goal of the season and now has 15 points in his last 11 games (nbd).
The Caps have allowed two or fewer goals in 12 of their last 17 contests which is great to see from a team that had been lacking in the defensive end of the ice.
With this 1-0 win the Caps are now 13-2-2 over their last 17 games, and during this time period the Capitals have collected the most points (28) in the NHL. So lets stay hot boys!
The Caps are back in action Wednesday against the Flyers.
The Morning Skate 