"Plus: The early returns on the Ovechkin-Strome-McMichael were positive, to say the least. The trio rocked an expected goals share over 80% while being responsible for both goals that gave Washington a point out of what looked like a hopeless endeavor for forty minutes."
"Minus: Hendrix Lapierre was effectively stapled to the bench in the latter stages of the game, a less encouraging sign for a center group that really needs someone to step up in the long run."
"Caps Player of the Game: Connor McMichael had taken a lot of scrutiny for his lack of production thus far. He badly needed a game like tonight, and you could tell from his charged celebration after scoring the first of his two points on the night. Here's to hoping this was the dam being broken for him."
Washington rallied from a lopsided deficit to force a shootout against New Jersey but ultimately lost the extra session. The top line of Alex Ovechkin, Timo Strome, and Connor McMichael controlled play, generating over 80% of expected goals and accounting for both goals that secured a single point. Hendrix Lapierre received minimal ice time late in the game, raising concerns for the club’s depth at center. Connor McMichael finished with two points and an emotional celebration, suggesting a potential breakout from recent offensive struggles. The team showed late resilience but still left with a loss.
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