The view from Washington

The Washington Post

Capitals’ losing streak reaches three after 4-2 loss to Kings

“Though the Capitals arguably played well in a losing effort against the Kings, they are 5-5-1 in the 11 games since their mid-February five-day bye week. Moreover, Pittsburgh’s 3-0 win over Vancouver earlier in the night moved the Penguins to within one point of Washington for first place in the Eastern Conference. The Kings entered the game five points out of the Western Conference wild card position.”

Kevin Shattenkirk to have disciplinary hearing for charging Kings’ Kevin Gravel

“Shattenkirk was penalized on the play 15:57 into the third period, and it was his third minor penalty of the game. While Shattenkirk is likely to get a suspension of at least one game, it will help him that he doesn’t have a history of being suspended or meeting with the Department of Player Safety.”

The Washington Times

Capitals’ West Coast slump continues

“Kempe put the Kings ahead when he skated off the boards and spun his way into a clear shot that beat Phillip Grubauer through a screen. Kempe, the 20-year-old former first-round pick, was the closest thing to a blue-chip offensive prospect in the Kings‘ system, but he had only four assists to his credit since his call-up.”

Yahoo! Sports – Puck Daddy

Why Evgeny Kuznetsov holds the key to Capitals’ success

“Then from Dec. 5 through the Caps’ last game before their bye-week on Feb. 11, Kuznetsov had 35 points in 33 games and Washington went 26-4-3. Kuznetsov said he wasn’t worried that he would start to score and believed his hard work would pay off. Currently Kuznetsov has 51 points in 67 games.”

CSN Mid-Atlantic

Caps lose third straight in regulation for first time since 2015

“The Caps’ captain has come under scrutiny of late for his sudden lack of production, but he looked dangerous in this game. He registered a game-high five shots on goal with an additional six shots missed and three more blocked. It was his best game in awhile, but it did not translate into a goal.”

SB Nation – Japers’ Rink

Capitals vs. Kings Recap: Caps Drop Another in California

“That final step of turning good positions into chances on net was something the top line struggled with. Ovechkin attempted 15 shots, but six missed the net and three were blocked. Kuznetsov only got one of five attempts on net. Wilson’s only attempt was blocked. When a team only has 19 shots on goal, its high-percentage players need to come through, and the Caps needed a bit more from their top line.”