The Washington Capitals faced off against the Los Angeles Kings on Monday night, securing a notable 3-1 victory, with Pierre-Luc Dubois delivering two assists against his former team. This match marked Dubois's return to the ice facing the Kings, who traded him just months earlier, and it seems the atmosphere was charged with high stakes for the young center.
Dubois, who was traded from the Kings to the Capitals last June for goaltender Darcy Kuemper, was instrumental throughout the game, showing remarkable chemistry with his new teammates. The player, who signed an eight-year, $68 million contract with Los Angeles just one season prior, expressed his feelings post-game. "It felt good to win this game; it was a little extra special," Dubois stated, reflecting on his tumultuous time with the Kings. He added, "My time with them (Kings) ended a little differently than it had at my previous teams, so yes, this win feels extra good." His sentiments obviously indicate the resolve to prove himself, especially when facing those who’ve previously held the expectations for him.
The game featured contributions from his teammates, with Aliaksei Protas scoring two goals and Jakub Vrana adding another. The Kings managed just one goal from Kevin Fiala, assisted by Adrian Kempe. Goaltender Logan Thompson shone with 25 saves and achieved a remarkable save percentage of 96.2, showcasing the Capitals' defensive strength as well.
This match was more than just another regular-season game; it served as a platform for Dubois to showcase how he has grown as a player since his departure from Los Angeles. Reflecting on the past seasons, the 26-year-old was succinct, capturing the mixed feelings of competing against the team where he had high hopes. Despite the success he found with his new team, the glittering expectations he had signed up for with the Kings were cut short, which likely added weight to his desire to excel against them.
Dubois's contributions were not just limited to shot assists; his overall influence on the ice was tangible. He was involved directly with offensive plays and effectively helped the Capitals maintain pressure on the Kings, denying them the chance to create openings. It’s performances like this one against former teams where players often find their spark, directing their focus on making every opportunity count.
What's next? The Capitals will face off against the Boston Bruins shortly after this victory, and Dubois is eager to carry this momentum. “We have one more game before the break, so it’s back to it again,” he remarked, emphasizing the tight schedule and desire to continue improving and contributing positively to the team's efforts. With his focus not divided, Dubois looks to underpin the Capitals’ performance, ensuring they go on the break with confidence.
For the Capitals, this match against the Kings provided not just two points but also encapsulated the growth of Dubois as he navigates through this transition period. Victory over his former team is bound to energize him and bolster the Capitals' lineup as they prepare for the games to come. The excitement builds as they head to the next challenge with renewed vigor, and fans can expect to see more of Dubois's magic on the ice.
