The Oilers seized an early two-goal lead, but Evgeny Kuznetsov and the injury-depleted Caps finished strong, scoring five unanswered goals to secure a 5-2 victory over Connor McDavid and the Oilers at Rogers Place. The victory snapped a two-game losing streak and sent Kuzy and Co. to Calgary for Sunday’s game with some much-needed momentum.
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Tarik’s three stars of the night:
1-Evgeny Kuznetsov, Capitals
Kuznetsov scored twice in the third period to lift the Caps. His first goal put the visitors up 3-2. His second one clinched the victory—and landed him on the highlight reel. No. 92 toe-dragged Oilers defenseman Adam Larsson, took the puck to the net and deftly deposited it between Cam Talbot’s pad and the goal post. It was Kuznetsov’s first multi goal game since Feb. 22 vs. Philly.
2-Alex Ovechkin, Capitals
A day after making headlines for buying a homeless man a sweater, coat and hat, the Caps’ captain made headlines for his performance on the ice. Ovechkin racked up three assists, including a slick pass to Kuznetsov (two goals) for the Caps’ third goal 30 seconds into the third period. The last time Ovechkin had three helpers? Nov. 2, 2014 vs. Arizona.
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3- Devante Smith-Pelly, Capitals
In his first game on the top line, DSP had his best game as a Capital. He scored his first goal of the season in the closing seconds of the first period to cut the Oilers’ lead to 2-1. Smith-Pelly also blocked four shots, including three in the opening 20 minutes. With 14 blocked shots on the season, he’s got more blocks than any forward on the Capitals.
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