After a slow start to the game, and being outshot 32-24, the Washington Capitals (42-14-8) defeated the Seattle Kraken (27-34-4) 4-2. Connor McMichael scored the go-ahead goal in the third period and notched an assist. Shane Wright continues to produce for the Kraken with his 15th goal of the season.
Alex Ovechkin netted his 886th goal and 1,600th point of his career via the empty net, sealing the Capitals’ 42nd win of the season.
Game Recap
The first period saw an even matchup between both teams, but the Kraken broke the scoreless tie about 13 minutes into the opening frame. Entering the zone with a four-on-two opportunity, the Kraken nearly fumbled the play as a pass to defenseman Adam Larson tipped too far off of his backhand. However, former Capital Andre Burakovsky was in perfect position to pick up the errant puck and found Wright all alone next to the crease and slapped it in. The tally marks Wright’s sixth goal in the last 11 games. The Kraken outshot the Capitals 14-7 this period.
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Looking to bounce back after a lackluster start for the offense, the Capitals wasted no time tying the game. 35 seconds into the middle frame, Martin Fehervary received a one-timer pass from Aliaksei Protas and ripped it over the glove of Seattle goaltender Joey Daccord to even the score 1-1. The Capitals’ offense kept their foot on the gas with added pressure in the Kraken’s own zone. A little over two minutes after the tying goal by Fehervary, Dylan Strome rifled a shot above the circles, through a screen, to give the Capitals a 2-1 lead.
About five minutes later, in similar fashion to the Kraken’s first goal, Chandler Stephenson sent a pass over to Jordan Eberle who slapped it past Washington goaltender Charlie Lindgren to tie the game 2-2. Both goaltenders made key saves to close out the second period as it remained tied heading into the final frame.
Late in the third period, the Capitals were threatening in the offensive zone. Defenseman Jakob Chychrun and John Carlson put together a slick passing play that resulted in McMichael tipping in the go-ahead goal. Chychrun slapped a pass across the point to Carlson, who slap-passed it to McMichael, who was wide open in the crease for the easy tip-in. This marks his 23rd goal and 50th point of his breakout season.
Going to be thinking about this Carly shot-pass for a minute pic.twitter.com/5WjLhlNWDk
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 9, 2025
With time running out for the Kraken and a net left empty, it only seemed fitting that an empty-net goal would be scored by none other than Ovechkin. From center ice, he ripped it off of his backhand and past two defenders for the goal to make it 4-2. The chase for Wayne Gretzky’s goal record has reached single digits as the Russian machine needs nine more to pass him.
Up Next
The Capitals continue to be a force in the East with another win under their belt. They will head to sunny California to face the Anaheim Ducks (27-28-7) on March 11. The Kraken look to get back in the win column at home against the Montreal Canadiens (30-27-6) on March 12.
