Capitals Show Fight, But Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard Steal the Show in Overtime Thriller
The Washington Capitals were just over 30 seconds away from a hard-earned win in Edmonton. Instead, they walked away with a single point - and a reminder of how punishing Connor McDavid can be when given even the slightest opening.
In a chaotic, back-and-forth battle that featured lead changes, power-play fireworks, and a six-point explosion from Evan Bouchard, the Caps ultimately fell 6-5 in overtime to the red-hot Oilers. It was a game that had flashes of Washington’s potential, but also exposed some lingering issues - discipline, defensive lapses, and the challenge of closing out elite talent.
Let’s break it down.
Trading Punches Early, Protas and Sourdif Step Up
It took the Capitals a while to register their first shot, but when they did, they made it count. After Bouchard opened the scoring late in the first period, Aliaksei Protas responded just 22 seconds later, pouncing on a loose puck in front and sliding it past Connor Ingram. That’s two goals in as many games for Protas, who’s quietly starting to find a rhythm.
In the second, Bouchard struck again - but so did Washington’s young guns. Hendrix Lapierre, fresh off his first goal of the season in Calgary, made a heads-up play to spring Justin Sourdif, who froze the defense with a slick fake before burying his chance. That’s now three straight games with points for Sourdif, who’s starting to look like a player with real NHL confidence.
The Caps weren’t done yet. Anthony Beauvillier capitalized on a rebound to notch his 10th of the season, giving Washington a 3-2 lead and chasing Ingram from the net. Heading into the third, the Capitals had momentum - but that’s when things started to unravel.
Penalties Prove Costly, Even as Power Play Comes Alive
Discipline has been a recurring issue for Washington, and it reared its head again in the third period. After surviving three penalties in the second, the parade to the box continued.
Trevor van Riemsdyk took a high-sticking penalty just as Jakob Chychrun’s carry-over infraction expired. Then, a double-minor high stick drawn by Sourdif gave the Caps a four-minute power play - a golden opportunity to create separation.
But just two seconds into the man advantage, Tom Wilson was called for tripping off the faceoff. That led to 4-on-4 hockey, and Bouchard took full advantage, walking in and ripping home his third of the night to complete his first career hat trick. The defenseman was everywhere, and the Capitals had no answers.
Still, Washington fought back. Dylan Strome buried a power-play goal - the team’s first four-goal outing in eight games - to reclaim the lead.
But another penalty, this time a hooking call on Matt Roy, gave Edmonton its fifth power-play opportunity. And you can only keep McDavid off the board for so long.
The Oilers’ captain finally broke through, firing a shot past Charlie Lindgren to tie things up at 4-4.
McMichael’s Hustle Nearly Wins It, But McDavid Has the Last Word
With time winding down, the Capitals showed urgency. A late power play didn’t go to waste - Connor McMichael stayed with a bouncing puck in front, batting it out of mid-air after multiple whacks to give Washington a 5-4 lead with just minutes to go.
It looked like that might be the difference. Lindgren, who had stood tall all night with several key stops on McDavid, was doing everything he could to preserve the lead.
But the Capitals couldn’t clear the zone in the final minute, and McDavid found Zach Hyman with a no-look pass to the doorstep. Tie game.
Overtime.
And when overtime arrived, McDavid turned up the heat even further. He broke in alone not once, but twice. Lindgren stopped the first, but the second chance was the dagger - McDavid finished the job, sealing the win and sending the Oilers faithful into a frenzy.
Sandin Leaves Early With Injury
The Capitals also suffered a significant blow on the blue line. Rasmus Sandin exited late in the first period after taking a hard hit into the boards from Curtis Lazar. Already shaken up, Sandin stayed in the play just long enough to block a heavy point shot from Ty Emberson - but that second impact left him needing help to the bench.
Aliaksei Protas and Alex Ovechkin assisted him off the ice, and though Sandin attempted to return for the second period, he never took a shift. After a brief conversation with the training staff, he was ruled out with what’s being called a lower-body injury.
Notable Performances and Milestones
- Hendrix Lapierre continues to build confidence. He didn’t score tonight, but his playmaking and poise with the puck were noticeable.
He looks like a player who’s starting to believe he belongs at this level.
- Tom Wilson picked up two assists, extending his point streak to three games. He’s been more involved offensively of late, which is exactly what the Capitals need from one of their leaders.
- John Carlson also recorded two assists, pushing his own point and assist streak to three games. The veteran blueliner remains a key driver of offense from the back end.
- Jakob Chychrun quietly reached a milestone with his helper on Strome’s power-play goal - the 300th assist of his NHL career.
Final Word
This one stings for Washington. The offense showed signs of life, the young players stepped up, and Lindgren made some big-time saves. But against a team like Edmonton - especially when McDavid and Bouchard are putting on a clinic - any mistake can be fatal.
The Capitals leave with a point, but it could’ve been two. The challenge now is to build on the positives, clean up the penalties, and hope Sandin’s injury isn’t long-term. Because if this team wants to stay in the playoff mix, they’ll need every piece healthy - and every point they can get.