Evgeny Kuznetsov’s signature bird celebration returned as the Washington Capitals soared to their sixth consecutive victory, defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 5-2 on Saturday night. It was a rematch of the 2018 Stanley Cup Final, and the Capitals, now the NHL’s top team, have won 10 of their last 11 games.
“We’re playing well as a team, sticking to the system, and it’s paying off,” said Nicklas Backstrom, who scored twice. “Confidence is high, and we’re just looking to improve every game.”
Kuznetsov scored his sixth goal of the season just 58 seconds into the game and added an assist in the third period. After several games of more subdued celebrations following his suspension earlier in the season, Kuznetsov returned his trademark bird celebration.
“I don’t know why now, it just felt right,” Kuznetsov said.
Washington has been on a tear since mid-October, combining strong offense, special teams, and stellar goaltending. Those factors were on display again against Vegas. Tom Wilson netted his eighth goal of the season, Jonas Siegenthaler scored his first NHL goal, and Backstrom added a power-play goal to cap off a dominant performance. Goalie Braden Holtby made 30 saves, including nine while on the penalty kill.
Max Pacioretty and Reilly Smith scored for the Golden Knights, but Vegas was plagued by turnovers. Missteps contributed directly to Washington’s goals by Wilson and Siegenthaler.
“We had too many turnovers tonight, and it cost us,” said Vegas coach Gerard Gallant.
Marc-Andre Fleury, who stopped 29 shots, conceded four goals and was hard on himself after the game.
“I didn’t make the key saves when we needed them,” Fleury said. “I have to be better to keep the game close.”
Despite leading for much of the game, the Capitals have struggled to hold onto third-period leads this season. However, they managed to turn up the pressure late to secure the victory.
“We’ve let a lot of leads slip away, but tonight was a step in the right direction,” said defenseman John Carlson, who added two assists and continues to lead all NHL defensemen in scoring with 28 points.
Saturday’s game was the third meeting between Vegas and Washington since the Capitals claimed their first Stanley Cup title in 2018. Although time has passed since that series, the intensity between the two teams remains high.
“They always give you a tough game,” Holtby said. “Both teams were skating well; it was a close battle all night.”
Game Notes:
- Siegenthaler’s goal came in his 44th career game, exactly one year after his NHL debut.
- Pacioretty has now scored in three of his last four games.
- Carlson passed Scott Stevens for second place on the Capitals’ all-time points list among defensemen.
- Kelley O’Hara of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team received a standing ovation at Capital One Arena after chugging a celebratory beer.
Up Next:
- Golden Knights: Conclude their four-game road trip on Sunday against the Detroit Red Wings.
- Capitals: Aim for a seventh straight win when they host the Arizona Coyotes on Monday.
