WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington Capitals solidified their playoff position with a decisive 4-1 victory against the Detroit Red Wings on March 18, 2025, at Capital One Arena. This win marks the Capitals' seventh victory in their last eight games, further enhancing their impressive record this season.
Dylan Strome shone for the Capitals, contributing a goal and an assist, as the team improved its season record to 45-15-8, accumulating a total of 98 points. Alongside Strome, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Tom Wilson, and Connor McMichael also found the back of the net, overpowering the Red Wings, who have struggled in recent weeks.
The game began with an energetic start from both sides, but it was Strome who struck first at 6:36 of the opening period. Capitalizing on a play that involved assists from John Carlson and Rasmus Sandin, Strome's 22nd goal of the season put the Capitals ahead early on.
However, Detroit answered back at 12:28 with a goal from Dylan Larkin. Larkin's effort—his 28th of the season—was assisted by Ben Chiarot and came as the Red Wings looked to maintain their composure amidst the intensifying pressure of vying for a playoff spot.
Despite the early tie, it was the third period where the Capitals truly made their mark. Pierre-Luc Dubois scored the go-ahead goal at 8:16, maneuvering expertly to get past Red Wings defenseman Justin Holl before slotting a fluttering shot into the net. Dubois’ 18th goal pushed his points total for the season to 60, reaching this milestone for the fourth time in his career.
Tom Wilson then extended the Capitals' lead at 14:21 with his 30th goal of the season, assisted by Aliaksei Protas and Martin Fehervary. This season milestone is particularly noteworthy for Wilson, who became just the fourth player in NHL history to record a 30-goal season after playing over 750 games without previously reaching that mark.
Connor McMichael capped the win with 4:33 left on the clock, scoring his 24th goal of the season, with assists from Alex Ovechkin and Dylan Strome. This late goal underscored the Capitals' dominance, as they overturned a more modest performance in the first two periods into unmatched offensive efficiency when it mattered most.
Goaltender Logan Thompson was instrumental in the victory for the Capitals, stopping 23 of 24 shots faced and improving to 30 wins (30-4-5) this season. Thompson’s adeptness in the crease has placed him tied for the third-most wins among NHL goalies this season, while also marking a historical achievement. His four regulation losses through 30 wins are tied for the fewest in NHL history at that juncture, a record previously held by Tiny Thompson, Bill Durnan, and Linus Ullmark.
The Capitals controlled the pace of the game with strong offensive pressure, outshooting the Red Wings with a total of 64 five-on-five shot attempts compared to Detroit’s 55. They also led in expected goals, 3.4 to 2.87. Notably, throughout the game, there were no penalties called, allowing both teams to maintain a fluid rhythm.
On the other hand, the Red Wings, now at 32-30-6, felt the weight of their seventh loss in ten games, placing them precariously outside the playoff race with only 14 games remaining in the regular season. Coach Todd McLellan expressed a feeling of excitement around the league regarding Capitals star Alex Ovechkin—who entered the game just eight goals shy of overtaking Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 goals. “It’s going to be really exciting when he does break it, because he will,” McLellan noted. “You just don’t really want to be on the bench when it happens.”
With their eyes now set on the upcoming matchup against the Golden Knights, the Red Wings must regroup as they strive to remain in contention for the postseason.
