WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals knew it would be a tall task to shut down Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and the high-flying Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday. But they stuck with the process, and ultimately, broke out 5-on-5 for a 7-4 win.
Ryan Leonard played a big role in that victory, striking twice to help secure two points. It marked his first time in 12 games getting back on the board, and did a lot for his confidence.
“It’s great. Confidence-wise, obviously, that’s huge to help the team win an important game like tonight,” Leonard said. “Every single game, you’re trying to contribute, whether that’s’ scoring goals or just providing energy for the team and I was lucky enough tonight to get two.”
Anthony Beauvillier, Alex Ovechkin, Aliaksei Protas and Tom Wilson, who potted two empty-netters in the final minutes of regulation, also scored.
Logan Thompson stopped 26 of 30, and noted that it wasn’t that much fun going back and forth with two of the NHL’s biggest threats.
“It’s like the Globetrotters,” Thompson laughed, adding, “My ass is on fire.”
Here’s what else the team had to say postgame, live from the locker room.
