The View from Washington

THE WASHINGTON POST

Alex Prewitt: Troy Brouwer scores twice as Capitals take down Kings, 4-0

“[Holtby] faced minimal scoring chances through two periods, denying a breakaway from Marian Gaborik and sprawling onto his belly to punctuate a glove save on Jeff Carter’s backdoor cut.”

Alex Prewitt: Postgame: Blasting Kings showed Capitals ‘where we want to be’

“Los Angeles sustained some pressure in its offensive zone, but mustered few scoring chances.”

Alex Prewitt: Capitals sing Braden Holtby’s praises after third straight scoreless regulation

“But in shutting out Pittsburgh, Montreal and Los Angeles in regulation, Holtby faced only 27, 28 and 27 shots, respectively.”

CSNWASHINGTON.COM

Chuck Gormley: Capitals clobber Kings behind Brouwer’s 2 goals

“Troy Brouwer celebrated his 500th NHL game with his 14th goal of the season and 125th in the NHL goal with 2:48 remaining in the first period.”

Chuck Gormley: Holtby: ‘I hope I never reach the top of my game’

“Holtby said he’s benefiting from the structured system Barry Trotz has installed this season, a structure that was emphasized following a four-game losing streak that preceded last week’s visit from the Penguins.”

Chuck Gormley: Caps notebook: Scoring first perfect recipe

“They are also 25-1-4 when scoring first, 16-1-2 when leading after the first period and 23-1-3 when leading after the second period.”

NHL.COM

Dan Rosen: Kings feeling mixed emotions with playoff race on

“Sutter, though, refuses to associate urgency with desperation even though the Kings are three points out of a Stanley Cup Playoff spot with 32 games to play.”

SB Nation – JAPERS’ RINK

Kevin Klein: Capitals vs Kings Recap: Brouwer and Holtby Wipe Floor with the Champs

“Coming in to tonight’s game, the Caps had more wins than any other squad in the league when scoring first, and as we told you earlier today, the worst team in the league when failing to do so.”

RUSSIAN MACHINE NEVER BREAKS

Peter Hassett: Kingslayers: Caps beat Kings 4-0 in Best Game of Season

“The Kings power play was totally left sharking it. They’re in the top third of teams both when it comes to generating shots and converting opportunities, but they looked defanged on their man advantage in the second period.”

Peter Hassett: The Awesome Index: Brouwer’s Bash, Brooks’ Line is Best, and Braden Holtbeast

“There’s a calculating coolness to Holtby that should inspire confidence– and maybe awe– in his teammates.”