The Washington Capitals were hoping to build some momentum as they hit the ice, looking for back-to-back wins for the first time since their six-game heater back in late November and early December. Ironically, the last time they capped off a win streak, it was with a dominant 7-1 thrashing of the San Jose Sharks-the same opponent they faced tonight during their annual California road trip.
This time around, the script didn’t quite follow that same storyline.
**Let’s start with the bright spot: Ryan Leonard. ** The rookie forward delivered a highlight-reel moment in the third period that injected some much-needed life into the Capitals’ offense.
Leonard took the puck, danced around Ryan Reaves with a slick move that left the veteran forward grasping at air, and then ripped a shot past Sharks goalie Alex Nedeljkovic. It was a goal that showcased exactly why the Caps are so high on Leonard’s potential.
After a tough outing against Montreal earlier in the week, this was a bounce-back moment that fans-and the coaching staff-will be thrilled to see.
The Capitals even shared the clip on social media with a fitting caption: “Good things happen when Leno lets it rip.” And they’re not wrong.
But beyond Leonard’s individual brilliance, the night was largely frustrating for Washington.
Here’s the harsh reality: Through two periods, the Capitals were out-shot 23-9. That’s not a typo.
Five shots in the first, four in the second. For a team trying to claw its way back into the playoff mix, that kind of offensive output just isn’t going to cut it.
Yes, they came alive in the third and started to tilt the ice back in their favor, but by then, the damage was done. San Jose had already built a cushion, and the Caps’ late push wasn’t enough to flip the outcome.
Now, while Leonard stole the spotlight with his dazzling goal, Dylan Strome quietly put together a strong performance of his own. Strome opened the scoring with a power play goal-his first in six games-and gave the Caps an early spark. He’s been a steady presence for Washington this season, and while the team didn’t get the result they wanted, Strome’s ability to capitalize on the man advantage was a welcome sight.
Bottom line: The Capitals showed flashes, but they’ll need more than flashes if they want to find consistency. Leonard’s highlight and Strome’s goal are steps in the right direction, but the team’s lack of sustained offensive pressure-especially in the first 40 minutes-was the story of the night. If they want to get back to the kind of hockey they were playing during that six-game win streak, they’ll need to find a way to generate more chances, more often.