WASHINGTON, DC – The Washington Capitals clinched a convincing 2-0 victory over the Anaheim Ducks at Capital One Arena on Tuesday, with standout performances from goaltender Darcy Kuemper and defenseman Ethan Bear. Kuemper’s shutout, his first of the season, included 12 crucial saves in the third period, playing a pivotal role in the Capitals’ win.
Bear, who recently signed a two-year contract with the Capitals, opened the scoring with his first goal of the season during 4-on-4 play late in the first period. His goal, a culmination of an opportunistic play following a deflection off T.J. Oshie, showcased his ability to contribute offensively from the blue line.
Washington’s Tom Wilson sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, emphasizing the Capitals’ tactical strength in closing out games. Despite missing star forward Alex Ovechkin due to a lower-body injury, the team demonstrated their depth, with players like Evgeny Kuznetsov stepping up in his absence.
John Gibson, the Ducks’ goaltender, made 26 saves in a commendable effort, keeping the game within reach despite the Ducks playing the second of a back-to-back set. Anaheim’s defensive performance was noted by coach Greg Cronin, who acknowledged the team’s solid defensive play but lamented their inability to convert opportunities into goals.
Kuemper’s performance was particularly highlighted by a key save against Alex Killorn late in the third period, showcasing his reflexes and athleticism. His contribution was a critical factor in the Capitals’ ability to maintain their lead and secure the shutout.
The Ducks, struggling with consistency, played without defenseman Radko Gudas due to injury and saw forward Frank Vatrano’s point streak come to an end. Meanwhile, the Capitals’ penalty kill was effective, going 2-for-2 on the night and extending their streak of not allowing a power-play goal to four games.
This win reinforces the Capitals’ strong record when scoring two or more goals, now standing at 20-2-5 for the season. As they prepare to host the St. Louis Blues on Thursday, the Capitals will look to build on this performance, particularly their defensive solidity and opportunistic scoring. The Ducks, on the other hand, will aim to find greater offensive consistency and capitalize on their chances in upcoming games.
