"This one looked like a classic trap game. With just one day off, after a three-in-four-days West Coast road trip, with key guys missing and a Columbus goalie who has given the Caps fits...this seemed like a tough ask for the Caps. But they were able to grind out a win thanks to some strong goaltending, a good cycle play in the second period, and a killer penalty kill on a double-minor late in regulation."
"Plus: Goaltending. Logan Thompson came up big tonight, especially after the Capitals got their second period lead. Minus: The Hendrix Lapierre double minor was a tough one, not only for just the length of time but also the point in the game, and it made an already tight game even more (and unnecessarily) tense late in the third period. Caps Star of the Game: Has to be Logan Thompson. Came up big on a night when the Capitals couldn't score multiple goals, and earned his 100th career win in an impressive 39-save shutout."
The Capitals secured a hard-fought win despite one day off and a taxing West Coast trip with key players absent. Strong goaltending from Logan Thompson provided the backbone, including a 39-save shutout and his 100th career victory. A productive second-period cycle play produced the lone goal advantage. A late double-minor to Hendrix Lapierre forced an extended penalty kill that heightened third-period tension but the Caps killed the penalty. Fatigue and roster gaps made the contest challenging, yet disciplined defensive play and timely saves preserved the result.
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