Sometimes divorces end in happiness for both partners. That’s what happened with the Ottawa Senators and Jakob Chychrun, who are separately thriving this season, writes Alex Adams.

In goal, Logan Thompson and Hunter Shepard worked in both nets, with Charlie Lindgren not skating as he recovers from an upper-body injury he suffered in Friday's loss to the Montreal Canadiens. Lindgren remains on the IR, but Carbery said he’s progressing well and they will see if he can be activated Saturday.

The Washington Capitals entered their Friday night contest against the visiting Montreal Canadiens having gone 3-0-3 in their last six games and coming on the heels of a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory

Washington Capitals left wing Pierre-Luc Dubois (80) celebrates his goal with center Connor ... and Washington Capitals defenseman Jakob Chychrun battle for the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, in Washington.

But the Capitals were expecting the game to be “a little bit nasty,” as Coach Spencer Carbery put it after his team won, 2-1, in overtime behind two goals from center Pierre-Luc Dubois, who was at the center of the high-emotion proceedings throughout.

This game started with some stupidity from both the Capitals and the officials. Pierre-Luc Dubois was called for a lazy hooking penalty on Quinn Hughes, which led to PLD getting frustrated and going right back at the Canucks’ captain with a couple of stick swings.

Alex Tuch scored twice, JJ Peterka had the deciding goal in the shootout and the Buffalo Sabres defeated the Washington Capitals 4-3 on on Monday night.

The Capitals will look to keep trending in the right direction against Ottawa, as Jakob Chychrun makes his return for the first time since being traded.

Pierre-Luc Dubois scored twice ... The Capitals got their chance with 13:22 left in the third, but Jakob Chychrun was unable to find the back of the net with a pair of shots.

The Washington Capitals are back home for one more game before. a lengthy road trip, and it's a big one as they face off against the rival Pittsburgh Penguins. Here's everything to know before puck drop at 7 p.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (19-20-8) remain below .500 after leaving a smoldering crater where a five-game homestand was supposed to be. However, the Penguins clicked with A-level goaltending Friday night against the Buffalo Sabres and got back on the winning track.

Washington Capitals (30-10-5, 65 points, 1st place Metropolitan Division) When: 7:00 p.m. ET How to Watch: Broadcasting on Sportsnet Pittsburgh and Monumental in the local markets, streaming on ESPN+ Pens’ Path Ahead: The Pens are headed out West.