Washington Capitals escape with dramatic OT win as Ethen Frank forces a franchise reckoning—has the team finally found its new difference-maker?

DAN HOLMI unpacks the gritty victory over the Montreal Canadiens, spotlighting Ethan Frank’s breakout performance and clutch goals that resurrected the Capitals from a sluggish start. The show examines Connor McMichael’s overtime heroics, the ongoing impact of Tom Wilson, Justin Sourdif, and Jakob Chychrun’s absences, and how depth players like Brett Leason are stepping up. Key segments explore the Capitals’ duct-taped lineup, the struggles of a power play that went 0-for-5, and head coach Spencer Carbery’s call for multidimensional players as the roster battles injuries and inconsistency.

Is Washington’s makeshift chemistry enough to survive the brutal Metropolitan Division slate ahead, with showdowns looming against the San Jose Sharks and Colorado Avalanche? Find out why Frank can no longer be ignored and what must change for the Capitals to stay in contention.

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Artemi Panarin to the Washington Capitals? DAN HOLMI weighs the risk and reward of pursuing the New York Rangers star, calling the move tempting but potentially reckless if it means mortgaging the future. Would Panarin’s Russian connection with Alex Ovechkin ignite DC’s offense, or does a quick-fix approach threaten the Capitals’ rebuilding blocks?

Spotlighting the team’s inconsistency, DAN HOLMI questions if Washington is just a superstar away from playoff contention or facing deeper struggles in scoring depth and defense. With Ovechkin setting an NHL milestone—21 consecutive 20-goal seasons—the Capitals can’t afford to waste his spectacular form. Crucial topics include trade deadline strategy, the ongoing injury woes of Tom Wilson, and the need for consistency before the playoff race slips away. Can the Capitals find the right balance between chasing immediate success and building for their post-Ovechkin future?

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. So before tip-off, check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern. A little basketball, a little action, and a whole lot of Friday energy.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Washington Capitals flash their potential and their weaknesses in a rollercoaster week, dominating the Chicago Blackhawks before falling to the Nashville Predators. Can Alex Ovechkin’s milestone scoring and Ethen Frank’s breakout speed help steady this inconsistent squad, especially as injuries mount and depth becomes an urgent concern? Justin Sourdif’s untimely injury leaves the Capitals shorthanded, testing their resilience as lineup holes and special teams struggles persist.

DAN HOLMI breaks down key moments—Ovechkin’s 21st consecutive 20-goal season, Ethen Frank’s power play spark, and Anthony Beauvillier’s versatility—while highlighting critical flaws like Brandon Duhaime’s costly penalties and the lack of pushback from core players. With tough matchups looming against the Montreal Canadiens, San Jose Sharks, Florida Panthers, and Colorado Avalanche, can the Capitals rediscover consistency and capitalize on their remaining playoff window, or is time running out in D.C.?

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. So before tip-off, check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern. A little basketball, a little action, and a whole lot of Friday energy.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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