(Washington) John Carlson scored the decisive goal in a shootout and the Washington Capitals defeated the Minnesota Wild 3-2 on Friday night.
Dylan Strome and Tom Wilson found the back of the net in regulation for the Capitals, who won their second straight game.
Ryan Hartman’s goal in the third period, his fourth in his last three outings, allowed the Wild to secure at least a point. The Minnesota team has lost four of its last five games.
Special teams, the Capitals’ Achilles heel since the start of the season, finally made the difference in favor of the home team.
After Marco Rossi opened the scoring for the Wild, Wilson tied the game with a short-handed goal.
During a power play, Alex Ovechkin spotted Strome to give the Capitals a 2-1 lead. They have scored at least one power play goal in their last three games.
Carlson ended the debate in the seventh round of the shootout.
Darcy Kuemper was perfect in the shootout and previously made 39 saves for the Capitals. Fleury stopped 31 pucks for the Wild.