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Capitals Ice the Canadiens 4-3 in a Shorthanded Success

The Washington Capitals, with their recent victory over the Montreal Canadiens, have improved their season record to an impressive tally. The final scoreline at the Bell Centre read 4-3 in favor of the visiting team. The Capitals' performance was marked by a shorthanded strength that saw them net two goals in the first period and another pair in the third, bringing their total points for this game to 12.


Feb 17, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Michael Pezzetta (55) plays the puck and Washington Capitals forward Connor McMichael (24) forechecks during the first period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

The Capitals demonstrated remarkable resilience and efficiency throughout the match. They managed to convert one out of their single powerplay opportunity into a goal, showcasing a perfect conversion rate for this game. Their shooting accuracy was notable as well, with a shooting percentage of 12 percent from 34 shots taken. Defensively, they were solid too; blocking 16 shots while also taking away possession from Montreal on 11 occasions.


Washington's goaltender played an integral role in securing this win by saving all but three of the total 31 shots faced during regular playtime – an exceptional save percentage that contributed significantly to keeping Montreal at bay.


Feb 17, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie (77) celebrates with teammates including forward Alex Ovechkin (8)after scoring a goal against the Montreal Canadiens during the first period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

On offense, Washington's players combined for eight assists alongside their four goals scored. Despite being outdone on faceoffs – winning only 25 out of 59 – they maintained control where it counted most: on the scoreboard.


Meanwhile, despite putting up a strong fight and leading with faceoff wins at a rate of 58 percent (34 won out of 59), along with registering more hits than Washington (19 compared to Washington's twelve), Montreal fell short where it mattered most: scoring goals and preventing them against shorthanded plays.


Feb 17, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie (77) plays the puck and Montreal Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle (21) defends with the help of teammate forward Nick Suzuki (14) during the first period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Montreal's powerplay unit had more opportunities than Washington but capitalized only once from three chances. Their goaltender made more saves than his counterpart from Washington but ultimately conceded one additional goal which proved decisive.


As fans look forward to future games, they can mark their calendars for when the Capitals will host New Jersey Devils at Capital One Arena on February 21st. This encounter is scheduled for broadcast across various networks including ESPN+ online nationally and MNMT channel number six hundred forty-two locally within home markets; MSGSN2 will carry coverage away on channel six hundred thirty-five dash two.

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