WASHINGTON – Dylan Strome emerged as the overtime hero, netting a power-play goal to clinch a thrilling 3-2 victory for the Washington Capitals over the New York Islanders at Capital One Arena on Wednesday. The win was a testament to the Capitals’ resilience and strategic play, showcasing their ability to triumph in tight contests.
The game-deciding moment arrived just 1:41 into the overtime when Strome capitalized on a pass from Alex Ovechkin. His decisive wrist shot from between the circles, made more effective by Tom Wilson’s expert screening, found its mark, ending the game in favor of the Capitals. The goal stood after a video review confirmed Wilson’s legal contact with the puck.
Washington coach Spencer Carbery lauded the execution of the winning play, highlighting the pivotal role of Wilson’s screen in the successful outcome. The Capitals’ determination was evident throughout the game, with Hendrix Lapierre contributing a goal and an assist, and Joel Edmundson scoring his first for the team since joining from the Montreal Canadiens.
Goalkeeper Darcy Kuemper’s performance was instrumental, with 30 saves to his credit. Strome, who leads the Capitals in goals and points, emphasized the team’s ability to eke out wins in closely contested matches.
The Islanders, coming off a win against the Edmonton Oilers, found their rhythm as the game progressed. Semyon Varlamov’s 33 saves were crucial in keeping the Islanders in contention. Despite a solid start, Hudson Fasching and captain Anders Lee’s goals were not enough to secure a win for New York. Lee’s equalizer in the third period exemplified the Islanders’ fighting spirit, but the team ultimately fell short in the overtime showdown.
Bo Horvat’s impressive point streak came to an end, but the Islanders’ resilience remained a highlight, as coach Lane Lambert acknowledged the need for improvement in back-to-back game scenarios.
The Capitals demonstrated their strength when scoring first, maintaining an unbeaten record in regulation in such situations. This victory solidifies their position as a formidable force, particularly in tightly contested matches.
On the individual front, Ovechkin’s contribution in overtime placed him alongside Evgeni Malkin for the second-most overtime points in NHL history, trailing only Sidney Crosby. However, his goal drought extended to 14 games, an unusual spell for the prolific scorer.
The Islanders, meanwhile, continue to seek solutions in overtime games and second games of back-to-backs, areas where they’ve faced challenges this season.
