Shoot Out The Lights - Each of the first five times they went to overtime this season, the Caps came out on the short end of the score. The sixth time they did so, they got through the five-minute extra session only to lose in the shootout.

It took 26 games and seven overtime adventures, but the seventh time was the charm. The Caps finally claimed a win in a game that went beyond 60 minutes on Monday night, prevailing 4-3 over Anaheim in a shootout. An entertaining contest between a couple of gifted offensive squads produced a 3-3 result after three periods and overtime, and John Carlson won it for Washington in the fifth round of the shootout.

Video: Carlson, Capitals top Ducks in shootout

Don't Let Us Get Sick - After taking Sunday off, the Capitals awoke to the news of a third player - right wing Garnet Hathaway - landing on the COVID-19 protocol list and being unavailable for Monday's game against the Anaheim Ducks.

December 6 vs. Anaheim Ducks at Capital One Arena

Time: 7:00 p.m.

TV: NBCSW

Radio: Capitals Radio 24/7, 106.7 FAN

Anaheim Ducks (13-8-4)

Washington Capitals (15-4-6)

Finishing Touches - The Caps halted a two-game slide (0-1-1) on Saturday night against Columbus, downing the Jackets 3-1 to improve to 6-1-0 on the season against Metropolitan Division opponents. The Caps have outscored their fellow division denizens by a combined total of 27-11 in those eight games.

Alex Ovechkin scored his 20th goal of the season and the 750th goal of his career early in the second period on Saturday, helping the Caps to a 3-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. In doing so, he scored against his 152nd different goaltender - rookie Daniil Tarasov, playing in his second NHL game - and notched the 118th game-winning goal of his NHL career, tying Phil Esposito for third place on the NHL's all-time list.

Video: Ovechkin scores 750th career goal in win

The Great Divide - For the first time this season, the Caps are facing a divisional foe for the second time. The Columbus Blue Jackets are in town for the first of their two visits this season, finishing up a four-game road trip in the District on Saturday night. The Caps downed the Jackets in Columbus last month, taking a 4-3 decision on Nov. 12.

December 4 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets at Capital One Arena

Time: 7:00 p.m.

TV: NBCSW

Radio: Capitals Radio 24/7, 106.7 FAN

Columbus Blue Jackets (12-9-0)

Washington Capitals (14-4-6)

Missed It By That Much - Starting a season-long four-game homestand at Capital One Arena on Thursday against Chicago, the Caps were seeking a fifth straight win on home ice. They didn't get it, falling to the visitors in the shootout by a 4-3 score.

Back in town to open up a season-long four-game homestand against Chicago on Thursday night, the Caps weren't able to extend their home winning streak to five games. They took their first lead of the night early in the third but couldn't hold it, falling 4-3 to Chicago in the shootout.