Washington’s win improves their record to 40-21-7 this season with 87 points, putting them in sole possession of first place in the Metropolitan Division. They passed the Islanders, who sit at 85. The Penguins are now in third place with their win over the Blue Jackets on Thursday.
This wasn’t the Capitals’ best game but Holtby bailed them out. There were a few close calls and the Capitals took plenty of penalties. Thankfully for them, they were able to kill them all off and were able to take advantage of a team that came into the game 0-for-18 on the power play in their last eight games.