SUNRISE, Fla. — In a decisive matchup on Monday night, the Washington Capitals triumphed over the Florida Panthers with a score of 4-1. Lars Eller starred for the Capitals, netting two goals, while Jakob Chychrun contributed significantly with one goal and two assists.
Logan Thompson continued his impressive performance in goal, achieving a record of 9-1-1 for the season by making 21 saves. Dylan Strome also played a pivotal role, recording his 23rd assist of the season. This victory marked the Capitals’ sixth win out of seven games following a loss, reinforcing their resilience throughout the season.
The Panthers faced another setback, marking their sixth loss in seven games, and they have managed only one victory in their previous five home matches. Niko Mikkola was the sole scorer for Florida, while Spencer Knight accumulated 27 saves in goal.
In the closing moments, Eller and Ivan Miroshnichenko added empty-net goals to solidify the Capitals’ win.
In another notable aspect of the evening, this game marked the beginning of the 15th “Mentors’ Trip” for the Capitals. This cherished tradition allows players and staff to invite mentors who have positively influenced their lives on the road. Historically, the Capitals have a strong record of 19-9-0 when mentors are present at games.
On a bittersweet note for the Panthers, Sam Reinhart’s impressive 13-game point streak, one of the longest in the franchise’s history, came to an abrupt halt. Reinhart had a prime opportunity to extend that streak with a shot from the slot late in the game, but Thompson stood firm, denying the attempt.
A pivotal moment in the game was when Chychrun scored the game-winning goal with 18:42 remaining, which came during a crucial 5-on-3 power play situation for the Capitals.
In terms of individual achievements, Eller has now recorded two goals in three different games this season, highlighting his knack for stepping up during key moments.
Looking ahead, the Capitals are scheduled to face the Tampa Bay Lightning in their next game on Wednesday, while the Panthers will host the Toronto Maple Leafs on the same day.