Capitals avoid first 2-4 start since 2013 by exploding for four goals in third period against Kings

After an 0-2 start, the Washington Capitals have won three of their last four contests to avoid being under .500 through six games. 

The last time Washington was under. 500 after six games was in 2013 when the Adam Oates-led Capitals started 2-4. 

Getting back to .500 wasn’t easy, though. The Capitals were down 2-0 after two periods Saturday night against the Los Angeles Kings. 

But four different players — John Carlson, Marcus Johansson, Lars Eller and Nic Dowd — found the back of the net during the final 20 minutes to give Washington the 4-3 win. 

“It’s obviously not the start we’re looking for. You don’t dream all summer about going 0-2,” coach Peter Laviolette said. “We had to put it behind us and focus on the last five games of the month here, and [Saturday’s win over the Kings] was the first step.” 

Johansson’s goal was the game-winner. 

The Caps have found their Mojo in the 3rd! Marcus Johansson gives Washington the 4-3 lead late in the 3rd. pic.twitter.com/e4lisOJvAc

— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) October 23, 2022

The Capitals have now come back from two-goal deficits in two of the last three games.

“We already did it once this year, so we can do it again,” Johansson told reporters. “We stuck with it and we got some looks, and they started going in.”