NHL: Carolina Hurricanes at Washington Capitals - Source: Imagn

3 most impressive Washington Capitals players from 3-1 win over Carolina Hurricanes feat. Charlie Lindgren

Modified Dec 21, 2024 04:13 GMT

The Washington Capitals were essentially written off by most fans and pundits. They barely qualified for the postseason in 2023-24 and were immediately swept aside by the New York Rangers.

Future Hall of Fame captain Alex Ovechkin more closely resembled a 37-year-old hockey player on the downswing of his career for the first half of the season and in the postseason, during which he failed to register a single point.

However, the Washington Capitals have completely turned the tables on that narrative, racing out to an impressive 22-8-2 record, with their latest win coming over the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday night.

Aliaksei Protas scored his 12th goal of the season, breaking the ice for the Capitals and giving them a 1-0 lead with 43 seconds remaining in the opening period.

Washington increased its lead thanks to goals from Jakub Vrana, who is in his second tenure with the Capitals, and Connor McMichael.

Carolina managed to get one back, spoiling the shutout bid of Charlie Lindgren midway through the third period. However, the Hurricanes couldn't break through with any additional offense.

Lindgren made 24 saves in the win, while Pyotor Kochetkov made 19 saves in a losing effort.

3 most impressive Washington Capitals players from 3-1 win over Carolina Hurricanes

#1. Charlie Lindgren

Friday night's game marked a return to form for Lindgren, who not only made 24 saves but also shut the door on Carolina's late-game push to try and close the gap.

Lindgren also went viral for a spectacular windmill-esque save in the second period, which left fans at Capital One Arena duly impressed:

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#2. Connor McMichael

The young Washington Capitals forward continues to write an impressive story. His second-period goal gave him a total of 16 goals in just 32 games played.

His previous career-high was 18 goals, scored in 80 games in 2023-24. Right now, he's on pace to surpass that number and establish a new career-high.

#3. Jakub Vrana

Vrana, in his second tenure with the Capitals, was recently called out by coach Spencer Carbery for his defensive deficiencies, but he was able to put the criticism on hold for a bit thanks to his second-period goal.

Vrana, who was a healthy scratch for 10 consecutive games, now has five goals since returning to the Capitals.

The Capitals will attempt to keep the good times rolling when they take on the LA Kings on Sunday.