Capitals Aim for Fifth Straight in California as Wilson Shines

ANAHEIM, California — The Washington Capitals embark on a vital three-game road trip starting Tuesday night against the Anaheim Ducks, seeking to extend their winning streak to five games. The matchup is set for 10:00 p.m. PT at Honda Center.

With a record of 42-14-8, the Capitals have carried momentum from their recent success, which includes a 4-2 victory against the Seattle Kraken on Sunday. This trip marks the team’s last multi-game journey of the season, as they aim for a strong finish before the playoffs.

The Capitals have surpassed last season’s total of 91 points and now stand at 92, marking a significant improvement. Of their 42 wins this season, 22 have come as comebacks, showcasing their resilience. Notably, seven of those comeback wins featured the team trailing entering the third period, tying them with Toronto and Vegas for most in the NHL.

Sunday’s win against Seattle saw the Caps rally after falling behind early, echoing their tenacity this season. Goals from Martin Fehervary and Dylan Strome, who played in his 500th career game, helped the team equalize before Connor McMichael sealed the victory with less than five minutes remaining.

The spotlight also shone on Alex Ovechkin, who notched career goal No. 886 in the win, moving him closer to Wayne Gretzky‘s NHL record of 894 goals. This milestone coincided with Ovechkin reaching 1,600 career points, and his scoring prowess continues to be a focal point for the Capitals.

Upon arriving in Anaheim, the team recognized Tom Wilson for his contributions, as he was named the NHL’s No. 3 star for the week leading up to March 9. Wilson’s performance last week included three goals and four assists across four games, providing significant support in the team’s latest success.

“It’s important to be consistent in this league,” Wilson remarked. “If you drop a few games, you’ve got to correct it as quickly as possible. There’s always ups and downs throughout the year.”

Wilson played a crucial role in the Capitals’ comeback victories over the Ottawa Senators, New York Rangers, and Detroit Red Wings. His physical style of play and scoring ability have been integral to the team’s dynamic this season, leading him to achieve a career-high 29 goals.

“When they’re going in, you have to appreciate it and keep putting in the work,” Wilson said regarding his scoring success. “I’ve tried to help the team in whatever way I can. This year, being on the power play has been important.”

The Ducks, currently in sixth place in the Pacific Division, are looking to turn their season around despite likely missing the playoffs for a seventh consecutive year. After a 4-3 loss to the St. Louis Blues, they rebounded with a 4-1 victory over the New York Islanders.

Monday’s game against the Capitals represents the final game of a homestand for the Ducks, who are preparing for a challenging schedule ahead, including four out of five games on the road. As the Capitals aim for a fifth consecutive win, both teams are positioned to make a statement this week.