NHL scores 2016: Overtime heroics save the Capitals from themselves

The last time the Washington Capitals lost three in a row, it was in the final stretch of their 120-point 2015-16 season that won them a Presidents’ Trophy. To see the Capitals — normally dominant in the regular season — drop three in a row is a bit of a shock, even more so that they’ve been a puck or two away from losing five straight games.

Backing up to the end of November and the start of December, the Capitals dropped three straight games before coming back to beat the Sabres in overtime on Monday. After jumping out to a 3-0 lead over the Bruins on Wednesday, it seemed as if the Capitals had put their small hiccup behind them.

Then Boston made it 3-3 after holding the Capitals to zero shots in the 12 minutes it took for them to tie it.

That effort, or lack of it, was enough to result in a 15-minute players only meeting after the game, even though they won 4-3 in overtime! Nicklas Backstrom got the honors with the overtime winner, but the Capitals were lucky to escape with even a point after failing to play a complete game.

Since their slide at the end of November, the Capitals have dropped into Wild Card position, tied with Metropolitan Division rivals the Flyers at 33 points. It’s a two-point difference between the Capitals and the Penguins at the top, and five between Pittsburgh and sixth place New Jersey.

Capitals fans can only hope the team meeting sticks with the players, because a few more losses and Washington is hanging outside of playoff positioning.

Wild 3, Maple Leafs 2
Capitals 4, Bruins 3 (OT)
Ducks 6, Hurricanes 5 (SO)
Senators 4, Sharks 2

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1. Devan Dubnyk continues to frustrate opposing players

You might think that Carey Price guy in Montreal is the league’s best netminder. Surprisingly, it’s actually Devan Dubnyk in Minnesota that’s holding that mantle right now. Dubnyk’s been real, real good for the Wild for some time since his addition to the club back in 2015.

The Maple Leafs were shut out by Dubnyk in the third period, who saved 17 in the final frame and 35 in total in the 3-2 victory. There’s a reason Dubnyk is being considered for the Vezina Trophy this season, and his performance so far has the Wild in the third spot in the Central.

2. Erik Karlsson has a piece of Senators’ history

With a goal and two assists on Wednesday, Senators’ captain Erik Karlsson became the franchise’s highest scoring defenseman in team history.

Karlsson passed Wade Redden with his 411th point on his goal in the second period.

3. The Hurricanes broke droughts all over the place

With Carolina still potentially in the hunt for a playoff spot, it’s a good thing many of their players in a slump broke out against the Ducks. Brett Pesce too got his first of the year.

Also, that Sebastian Aho kid is pretty good.

Justin Williams set the tone for the Capitals with a goal just 23 seconds in. Williams scored again less than 10 minutes later. Mr. Game 7 brought is A-game in this one.