Sports’ pick of the week
Illustration by Soli Santoyo
Olivia Clark, Contributing Writer
For this week’s pick, we’re focusing on the NHL as the Washington Capitals take on the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome arena in Calgary, Canada on Dec. 3.
The Washington Capitals started off their season with a two-game losing streak while the Calgary Flames were starting off strong with a three-game winning streak. The Calgary Flames are strongly securing their fifth spot in the Pacific division. Washington is now sixth in the Metropolitan division with a two game advantage over the Flames.
Recently, Calgary has been lacking in their game performance and have dropped their last two games against the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals. On the other hand, the Washington Capitals are currently on a two-game winning streak, and have taken two victories against the Philadelphia Flyers and their most recent game against the Calgary Flames.
Calgary’s goalie Jacob Markström has been keeping up with the average saving percentage — the number of shots on goal a goaltender stops.
The average for saving percentage in the NHL is above or at 0.915, and last game he recorded a saving percentage of 0.920 against the Philadelphia Flyers, according to the NHL. Capitals goalie Darcy Kuemper had a saving percentage of 0.913 against the Philadelphia Flyers as well, according to the NHL.
Washington has faced many challenges related to player injuries throughout this season. Tom Wilson and Dmitry Orlov, who are both key players to the team’s lineup, were both out with lower body related injuries, according to ESPN. Calgary is also facing an injury regarding Michael Stone, who has an undisclosed injury.
The Washington Capitals face more and more disadvantages involving injuries and traveling to the opponents arena, which is why the Calgary Flames will be taking the win on Dec. 3.
