The Washington Capitals look to extend their point streak to nine games when they visit the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night.
Ottawa has a streak of its own, winning three games in a row after losing four straight.
Both teams were winners Tuesday night as the Capitals blanked the visiting Anaheim Ducks 3-0, and the visiting Senators shut out the New York Islanders 2-0.
Brandon Duhaime had a goal and an assist for the Capitals, who are 5-0-3 in their past eight games, and Logan Thompson made 19 saves in his first shutout as a Capital. Acquired in an offseason trade with the Vegas Golden Knights, Thompson improved to 19-2-3 on the season.
The Capitals continue to pile up points without consistently playing their best hockey. Against the Ducks, the Capitals took a 2-0 first-period lead before adding a goal late in the second.
“I thought that was one of the best periods we’ve played in a long time,” coach Spencer Carbery said. “I thought that laid the foundation for the game. Second period, we got away from it and (Thompson) had to bail us out.”
Rookie Ethen Frank, 26, scored in his second consecutive game and has points in his first three games since being called up from Hershey of the American Hockey League.
“He’s been great,” defenseman John Carlson said. “More than just the tallies and stuff, I think he seems to be a positive impact every time he steps on the ice. Obviously, a guy with speed like that is a threat no matter where he is. It’s great to see. It’s a great story, and we’re relying on him big right now.”
Alex Ovechkin has one goal (an empty-netter) in his past five games and is 22 away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record of 894 goals.
Against the Islanders, Ottawa goalie Leevi Merilainen made 24 saves for his second shutout in his past three starts. He made 29 saves in a 5-0 win at the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.
“He works so hard every day,” defenseman Tyler Kleven said. “I watched it all last year in Belleville (Ottawa’s AHL affiliate). I knew he was a good goalie, and now he’s getting this opportunity here in Ottawa and he’s just playing his game and being who he is. So, it’s great to see.”
Ottawa leads the NHL with seven shutouts.
Adam Gaudette and Artem Zub scored for the Senators against the Islanders, with Gaudette ending a 15-game goal drought.
“It felt good for sure,” Gaudette said. “Everybody gets cold streaks. That’s the way it is, in the game and in life. So, what you got to do is just keep your head down, keep working and eventually it’ll go in.”
Senators forwards Shane Pinto (two goals, two assists), Drake Batherson (one goal, two assists) and Josh Norris (one goal, two assists) each extended his point streak to three games.
Ottawa has been streaking in one direction or another for a month. After winning six in a row in December, the Senators dropped six of seven and now are looking for their fourth straight win.
Thursday marks the first of three meetings between the teams.
