The Washington Capitals came into Monday’s matinee against the Colorado Avalanche looking to right the ship after back-to-back losses. And for a while, it looked like they might just do it.
They came out with energy, matched Colorado’s pace early, and even got a power-play goal from a red-hot Jakob Chychrun. But as the game wore on, old habits crept back in-penalties, fatigue, and a third period that lacked any real push.
The result? A 5-2 loss, their third straight, and another reminder of how far they still have to go to compete with the league’s elite.
Let’s break it down.
A Promising Start-and Another Goal from Chychrun
Facing one of the NHL’s most dangerous teams, the Capitals needed a strong start-and for once, they delivered. Despite giving up the opening goal on a deflection from Parker Kelly, Washington played with purpose in the first period. They drew penalties, controlled stretches of play, and looked like a team ready to battle.
Jakob Chychrun continued his tear from the blue line, hammering home a power-play goal to even things up. That’s his third goal in two games and his 18th of the season, tying him with Zach Werenski for the league lead among defensemen. Chychrun’s offensive instincts and ability to jump into the play have been a bright spot in an otherwise uneven stretch for the Caps.
Second Period Slippage-and a New Line Sparks Some Life
The wheels started to come off in the second. Discipline became an issue, and against a team like Colorado, that’s a recipe for disaster.
The Avalanche took advantage of a double-minor, with Nathan MacKinnon cashing in to give them the lead again. Not long after, Victor Olofsson found space in front of the net and buried a rebound to stretch the margin.
But just when it looked like the game might start to spiral, a new line combination gave the Capitals a much-needed jolt.
Alex Ovechkin, skating alongside Nic Dowd and Ethen Frank, found some chemistry that paid off quickly. Ovechkin set up Frank for a goal just 17 seconds after Olofsson’s tally, pulling the Caps back within one.
It was a smart, quick play-Ovechkin using his vision, Dowd providing the support, and Frank doing what he’s done a lot lately: finishing. Frank now has five goals in his last six games, and the rookie continues to show he belongs in the lineup.
Ovechkin, for his part, continues to evolve his game. He’s now up to 22 assists on the season, with 18 of those being primary.
It’s a different kind of production than we’re used to from the Great Eight, but it’s been valuable. Dowd, meanwhile, has quietly put together points in back-to-back games.
Still, despite the encouraging signs, Washington entered the third period trailing again-a trend that’s becoming all too familiar.
Lindgren Battles, but the Caps Fade Late
If there was one Capital who deserved a better result, it was Charlie Lindgren. The netminder was under siege for much of the afternoon, especially in the third period when the Avalanche poured it on. Lindgren made 38 saves on 43 shots, and several of them were highlight-reel quality.
He denied MacKinnon twice with quick lateral movement, stoned Brock Nelson on a semi-breakaway, and made a point-blank save on Martin Necas. He even took a penalty late trying to stop Olofsson in tight-an aggressive play that showed just how locked in he was.
Lindgren also benefited from a successful coach’s challenge after a would-be goal by Cale Makar was overturned due to goaltender interference. Necas had drifted into the crease and made contact with Lindgren, wiping the goal off the board and keeping the game within reach.
But the Avalanche didn’t let up.
A 2-on-1 break saw Artturi Lehkonen restore the two-goal cushion, and a costly turnover behind the net by Rasmus Sandin led to MacKinnon’s second of the game, sealing the outcome.
The most telling stat? In the third period, the Capitals managed just three shots on goal.
Colorado had 17. That’s not just a team getting outplayed-it’s a team running on empty.
Where Do the Capitals Go From Here?
This loss wasn’t about effort in the opening 40 minutes. Washington showed they can hang with top-tier teams-at least in spurts. But the third period exposed a deeper issue: the inability to sustain that level of play for a full 60 minutes.
Whether it’s fatigue, lack of depth, or simply the grind of the season catching up to them, the Capitals are in a rut. And with the playoff race tightening, they can’t afford to let games like this slip away.
The good news? There are signs of life.
Chychrun’s scoring. Frank’s emergence.
Ovechkin adapting his game. Lindgren standing tall.
But until the Capitals can put it all together-and stay out of the penalty box-they’ll continue to find themselves on the wrong side of games like this.
The pieces are there. Now it’s about finding the consistency to make them fit.