Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson, right, celebrates his go-ahead goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, April 13, 2024, in Washington. Washington Capitals left wing Sonny Milano celebrates his first goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Saturday, April 13, 2024, in Washington.
Sonny Milano scored twice and Nic Dowd provided an insurance goal with 3:14 remaining as the Capitals won for just the second time in nine games to at least temporarily move into the Eastern Conference’s second and final wild-card spot. They may need to win their final two games of the season to return to the postseason after missing last year.
“He’s just a gamer,” Carlson said. “When the stakes are high, when the chips are on the table, he seems to come up big all the time and we wouldn’t even be close to where we are right now vying for a playoff spot without him.”