Before the Olympic break officially kicked in and players scattered across the globe - some headed for Milan, others simply for a well-earned breather - the Capitals had one last bit of business to handle: a matchup with the Nashville Predators. And with a couple of key reinforcements back in the fold, Washington made sure to close out this stretch on a high note.
The big story? The return of Pierre-Luc Dubois and Logan Thompson - and they didn’t just clock in, they showed out.
Dubois wasted no time making his presence felt. Less than five minutes into the opening period, he picked up an assist to get the offense rolling.
Then, later in the same frame, he got on the board himself with his first goal of the season, cashing in on the power play. For a player who’s battled through injury and struggled to find rhythm early in the campaign, this was a much-needed breakout - and a reminder of the kind of impact he can have when healthy and engaged.
On the other end of the ice, Logan Thompson returned to the crease and looked like he hadn’t missed a beat. He was dialed in from puck drop, flashing the leather and showcasing the kind of lateral quickness that makes him such a difference-maker in net.
A couple of his saves were downright ridiculous - the kind that swing momentum and keep your bench buzzing. The Predators brought pressure, but Thompson stood tall, anchoring a defensive effort that held firm when it mattered most.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Capitals game without a little drama.
Midway through the third period, what looked like a backbreaking goal from Nic Dowd was wiped off the board due to an offside review - a momentum killer if there ever was one. Nashville capitalized shortly after, cutting the Caps’ lead to two and making things far more tense than they needed to be.
But credit to Washington: they didn’t unravel. They steadied the ship, tightened up defensively, and even tacked on an insurance goal late to put things out of reach.
(And yes, if you’re keeping score at home, that offside review stung. It’s a rule that sparks debate every time it rears its head, and this was one of those moments that left fans shaking their heads.)
As for the standout performances, this one’s a shared spotlight. Dubois and Thompson both delivered in their returns, proving just how vital they are to this group’s success. But don’t overlook Jakob Chychrun, who quietly had himself a night with two goals - a strong reminder of the offensive punch he brings from the blue line.
All in all, the Caps head into the break with a crucial win, a healthier lineup, and some much-needed momentum. And with the Olympic pause giving everyone a chance to reset, this was exactly the kind of sendoff Washington needed.