Protas multi-goal game, Thompson’s 25 saves, and more: 3 reasons why Washington Capitals won 3-1 over LA Kings

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Dec 23, 2024 02:19 GMT

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The Washington Capitals notched their 23rd win of the season with a 3-1 victory over the LA Kings on Sunday evening at the Capital One Arena.

Jakub Vrana got the game-winner with a power play goal in the second period. Aliaksei Protas had a big game, scoring twice for the Caps. Meanwhile, Kevin Fiala got the Kings on the board, tying the game in the second period with his 13th goal of the year, a power play tally.

So, let’s take a look at the three key reasons why the Washington Capitals defeated the LA Kings on Sunday evening.

3 reasons why Washington Capitals won over LA Kings

#3 The Capitals' power play made the most of its chances

The Washington Capitals got one chance with the man advantage and made it count. Jakub Vrana scored at 14:18 of the second to give the Caps the lead. They held on to that lead, adding an empty-netter in the final minute to seal the win.

The power play goal was crucial as this matchup was a tight one from the beginning. As such, taking advantage of their lone power play chance made the difference in the game for Washington.

While the Caps also gave a power play goal in the game, the Capitals scored when it mattered most.

#2 The Caps played a solid all-around game

The Capitals played a solid all-around game. They were strong defensively while scoring when they had to.

On the whole, the Washington Capitals dominated most of the stats, winning 67% of the draws, outhitting the Kings 21-16 and getting the edge in blocked shots at 15-13.

While the Kings outshot the Caps 26-21, the Caps handled the game much more effectively. The solid effort is certainly encouraging as the Caps continue to play without their captain Alex Ovechkin.

#1 Logan Thompson held the fort

One of the unexpected strengths for the Capitals this season has been their goaltending. On Sunday, it was Logan Thompson who held the fort. He made 25 saves to earn a big win for the Capitals.

Logan Thompson continued his solid play. He rebounded very well after taking a loss against the Chicago Blackhawks in his last outing. Over his last five games, Thompson has three wins, giving up more than four goals just once in a win over the New York Islanders on November 29.

On the season, Thompson has 13 wins to go with a 2.48 GAA and a .911 SV%. Those numbers underscore the stability the Caps have had in the crease this season, leading to their first-place position in the Metro Division.

The Capitals will hit the ice on Monday night in their final game before the Christmas break, facing off against the Boston Bruins at the TD Garden.