Takeaways: Frank & Defense Shine, Ovechkin Makes More History As Capitals Bounce Back With Important Win Over Predators

The Washington Capitals have been working to right the ship and get back to their high-scoring ways from the start of the season, and though the team still has work to do, they have Ethen Frank to thank as they broke through for two big points against the Nashville Predators.

Frank had his first NHL goal, Alex Ovechkin scored his 20th goal of the season and Logan Thompson and the defense came up big en route to an at times ugly, but important, 4-1 win over the Predators.

Here are all the takeaways.

Ethen Frank Dazzles Again & Nets First NHL Goal

It's only been two games, but Ethen Frank has been the revelation that the Capitals have needed on that struggling third line. He again stole the show on Saturday.

Using his signature speed to drive to the net, Frank found himself in all alone on Juuse Saros and made no mistake, wiring home his first NHL goal to give Washington the go-ahead goal in the third period of what'd been an otherwise lackluster game at 5-on-5.

Frank was a force to be reckoned with all night long, and finished his second game with. He now has two points in two games at the highest level.

As the Capitals seek a resurgence on offense, having Frank step up for the bottom-6 is a good step forward.

Tom Wilson Stays Hot & Power Play Cashes In

The Capitals' power play has seen its ups and downs, but over the last 10 games, it's been carrying quite a bit of team's offense. That continued on Saturday, as Tom Wilson struck on a nice feed from Dylan Strome behind the net to give D.C. a 1-0 lead.

It marked Wilson's 19th goal of the season, tied with Alex Ovechkin for the team lead, and his fifth goal in six games. He has totalled points in six of the last eight overall and remains one of Washington's most essential pieces on offense this season.

The man advantage has struck in six of the last seven outings and nine of the last 11 overall, though 5-on-5 offense continues to be an issue.

Fourth Line Breaks Through, But 5-on-5 Offense Still Needs Work

While Washington managed tow 5-on-5 goals against Nashville, the team again had a lackluster game when it came to getting pucks on net and controlling play.

The Capitals' top-6 hasn't been clicking of late as Washington totalled just 16 shots on goal, as opposed to Nashville's 33.

Thankfully for D.C., Andrew Mangiapane converted on a nice feed from Brandon Duhaime to give the team a critical insurance goal, but Washington needs to get something going otherwise.

Logan Thompson, Defense Step Up; Ovechkin Hits 873 & Makes More History After Big Shot Block

Playing in his second game in as many nights after an injury to Charlie Lindgren, Logan Thompson put on a show between the pipes.

The 27-year-old came up with several big stops, finishing the night with 31 saves on 32 shots for a save percentage.

Not only was Thompson sharp, but so was the defense, with the likes of Martin Fehervary and Matt Roy helping lead the charge. Washington ended up blocking 27 shots in front of Thompson, including big ones at the end from Pierre-Luc Dubois, paving the way for two critical points.

Then, with time ticking down, Alex Ovechkin had a big shot block, which he turned into a break for the empty net. He potted his 873rd career goal and 20th of the season and is now 22 goals away from passing Wayne Gretzky.

Ovechkin also joins Gordie Howe as the only player to have 20 consecutive 20-goal seasons.

Top Shelf Takes

- With an assist on Wilson's goal, Alex Ovechkin passed Nicklas Lidstrom for the 12th most power-play points (590) in NHL history.

- Andrew Mangiapane is the eighth Capital to hit double-digits in goals this season.