Capitals Win Shootout, Snap Losing Streak with 5-4 Victory Over Senators

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Dylan Strome scored the decisive goal in a shootout, securing a 5-4 victory for the Washington Capitals over the Ottawa Senators at Capital One Arena on March 4, 2025. The win halted the Capitals’ first three-game losing streak of the season.

The Capitals entered the matchup looking to break a slump, with their previous win on March 22 of last year. After a robust start, they established an early 3-0 lead but struggled to maintain their advantage as the Senators rallied back.

“There was a little bit of everything tonight,” Caps winger Tom Wilson said. “Probably good entertainment for the fans, but not the one you want structure-wise from our end. However, we’re a resilient group; we just found a way to get it done on home ice.”

The Capitals took control from the outset. Connor McMichael opened the scoring just 1:41 into the first period, tapping in a loose puck after an Ottawa goalmouth scramble. Although Ottawa challenged the goal, believing McMichael interfered with goalie Linus Ullmark, the officials deemed it valid, allowing Washington to maintain their early momentum.

“I was fortunate to get the puck there, had some luck on my side,” McMichael noted. “We wanted to start strong given our recent form.”

Just minutes later, Pierre-Luc Dubois extended the lead to 2-0 at 3:34, converting a pass from McMichael. The Capitals did not stop there; they netted a third goal on Wilson’s power play shot at 6:53, pushing the advantage to 3-0.

However, the Senators began their comeback in the latter half of the second period. Shane Pinto scored with a clever shot at 12:18, bringing Ottawa within two goals of Washington.

In the third, the Senators continued to pressure. Claude Giroux scored on a power play just 1:05 into the period, and Pinto found the back of the net again at 8:01, completing his brace and tying the game at 3-3.

Despite the Senators’ momentum, Wilson helped the Capitals regain their lead, assisting Martin Fehervary for a go-ahead goal at 12:43. Fehervary’s score briefly lifted the Capitals before Brady Tkachuk equalized with a power-play goal in the final minutes of regulation, forcing overtime.

The thrilling overtime period saw both teams exchange chances, but neither could capitalize, leading to the shootout. Ottawa’s Logan Thompson shined, stopping all three Senators attempts in the shootout, including a critical save against Giroux.

Strome, who ultimately scored in the shootout, placed the puck past Ullmark with a deft backhand. It was the Capitals’ first successful shootout of the season, improving their standings and offering a much-needed boost to their morale.

“We’ll certainly take the win,” Capitals coach Spencer Carbery remarked. “We’ve been reeling a little bit at home. It didn’t look or feel good at any point in the game, but we’ll take the two points.”

Despite the loss, Senators’ coach Travis Green praised his team’s resolve. “Anytime you lose in the shootout, you lose the shootout,” he said. “But I’m proud of how we fought back.”

The Capitals finish their homestand with a notable win, improving to 32-25-5 while Ottawa drops to 30-25-5. Both teams now look ahead, with the Capitals scheduled to face the New York Rangers next.