The Washington Capitals secured a crucial 2-0 victory against the Boston Bruins, maintaining control of their playoff destiny. With one more win needed, the team remains focused as they prepare for their next game against Philadelphia, potentially clinching a postseason spot.
After defeating the Boston Bruins 2-0 on Monday night, the Washington Capitals shared a sense of self-reliance as they left the ice, unconcerned with other NHL game outcomes.
“We take care of our business, we know where we’re going to be at,” said goaltender Charlie Lindgren, who contributed to the victory with a 16-save shutout.
With one more win, specifically against Philadelphia on Tuesday night, Washington would secure a playoff berth, independent of other teams’ results.
“It’s in our hands, and that’s the best way,” expressed All-Star winger Tom Wilson.
This win positions the Capitals as the potential second wild card in the Eastern Conference, setting them up for a matchup against the Presidents’ Trophy-winning New York Rangers. Meanwhile, the Bruins, who could have clinched the Atlantic Division title with a win over the Capitals, now face a must-win situation in their final regular-season game against Ottawa, as they are just one point ahead of Florida.
“I think the word ‘struggle’ is a compliment the way we played,” said Bruins coach Jim Montgomery. “I thought Washington, their desperation, how well they defended, how well they hung on to pucks in the offensive zone is the way we wanted to play.”
Dylan Strome was a key player for Washington, winning a crucial faceoff, controlling the puck, and assisting John Carlson’s decisive goal from the point at the 12-minute mark. Strome is eager for his first NHL playoff appearance in a standard setting, outside of a pandemic bubble.
Similarly, Lindgren delivered a vital performance, repeatedly denying Bruins’ top scorer David Pastrnak and making critical third-period saves against Andrew Peeke, Charlie McAvoy, and Patrick Maroon.
“Chucky came up with some big stops there sporadically throughout the whole game,” Carlson remarked. “And when it’s tight like that, that’s enormous.”
Despite the loss, Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman was notable for his 23 saves, which included key stops on Wilson and Alex Ovechkin.
“I thought he was very good — he gave us a chance,” Montgomery stated. “There wasn’t a lot of bright spots. Just wasn’t. Swayman would be the biggest bright spot.”
The Capitals were short-handed, playing without two injured defensemen, relying on rookie Vincent Iorio and minor leaguer Dylan McIlrath. Carlson, in particular, logged a game-high 29:34 to help his team navigate through these challenges. Additionally, forward Beck Malenstyn sustained an upper-body injury from a hit by Bruins’ Trent Frederic, yet traveled with the team to Philadelphia, according to coach Spencer Carbery.
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