Capitals credit Nic Dowd for getting them standings point against Hurricanes: ‘I think he got the fans into it. He got all of us into it.’

The Washington Capitals battled the Carolina Hurricanes to a 3-2 shootout loss at Capital One Arena on Thursday night. The Caps got goals from Connor McMichael and Nic Dowd to secure a standings point, but the team primarily credited the latter’s contributions for pushing them in the third period.

Dowd threw a few big hits in the Metropolitan Division rivalry matchup, which led to him dropping the gloves with Hurricanes forward Jordan Martinook at the start of the third. The fight gave the previously sluggish Capitals some energy, eventually leading to a Dowd goal, putting them up 2-1 at the 11:32 mark of the frame.

“I think it was Dowder, honestly,” McMichael said postgame. “I think he got the fans into it. He got all of us into it. He made a few big plays after that. He really carried us on his back in the third period there. He does so many little things that the average fan might not notice. He’s so detailed in his game, and he does a lot of great things for this team.”

“Yeah, we needed that,” goaltender Logan Thompson said. “It’s a huge fight. Dowder is one of the leaders on the team, so that was a big play by him. And, yeah, able to get another goal off it. But, again, it wasn’t enough tonight. But take some positives out of the game and move on.”

The third period was the lone period where the Capitals were even with the Hurricanes at five-on-five, notching just one fewer shot attempt (17-18) and high-danger chance (7-8), and one more scoring chance (11-10).

“Yeah, third period certainly was our best period, and that started with Nic Dowd leading the charge, no doubt,” head coach Spencer Carbery said.

Dowd, playing in his fourth game since returning from injury, scored his goal on his lone shot in the game. He also threw five hits, which was tied with Anthony Beauvillier for most on the Capitals, recorded two shot blocks, and went 4-3 in the faceoff circle.

“I think the first one in San Jose, or the first couple in California, were challenging,” Dowd said. “Just getting my feet back under me, nine games or eight games felt like a long time, and travel, time zones, whatever. But, you know, I felt good last game. I felt good this game. The biggest part of it is conditioning, feeling good, which allows you to then go out and play your game at the highest level.”

In 23 games this season, Dowd has recorded six points (2g, 4a). He is averaging 15:13 of ice time per game, with a team-leading 2:42 of that time coming shorthanded.