The Washington Capitals secured a commanding 4-1 victory over the Florida Panthers on Monday night, powered by Lars Eller’s two-goal performance and a standout effort from goaltender Logan Thompson. Jakob Chychrun added a goal and two assists, as the Capitals rebounded from a previous loss to maintain their strong form this season.
Eller opened and closed the scoring for Washington, netting the game’s first goal and adding an empty-netter late in the third. Ivan Miroshnichenko also tallied an empty-net goal, while Chychrun’s power-play goal with 18:42 remaining served as the game-winner.
Thompson, now 9-1-1 on the season, continued his stellar play in net, making 21 saves. The Capitals’ netminder has been a reliable anchor, allowing two or fewer goals in seven of his 11 appearances.
Florida’s lone goal came from Niko Mikkola, but it wasn’t enough to spark a struggling Panthers team, which has now lost six of its last seven games. Spencer Knight made 27 saves in the loss.
The game marked the start of the Capitals’ 15th “Mentors’ Trip,” where players and staff bring influential mentors on the road. This tradition has proven fruitful for Washington, as the team improved to 19-9-0 in games with mentors present.
Eller’s scoring performance continued a unique trend this season—he has scored in three games, each time recording two goals. Dylan Strome added his 23rd assist, maintaining his role as a key playmaker for the team.
The Capitals also demonstrated their resilience, improving to 6-1-0 in games following a loss.
For Florida, the loss extended a troubling stretch of poor performances, particularly at home, where they’ve managed just one win in their last five games. Sam Reinhart, who entered the game on a 13-game point streak—the second-longest in franchise history—was held off the scoresheet. His best opportunity came late in the third, but Thompson turned away a shot from the slot to preserve the Capitals’ lead.
The pivotal moment of the game came early in the third period when Chychrun capitalized on a 5-on-3 power play to give Washington a 2-1 lead. That goal shifted momentum firmly in the Capitals’ favor, and they never looked back.
Lars Eller’s scoring efficiency this season is remarkable. In each of the three games he’s found the net, he’s recorded a brace. His timely contributions have provided the Capitals with a valuable offensive boost.
The Capitals will continue their road trip with a visit to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Panthers will aim to regroup as they host the Toronto Maple Leafs that same night.
