Connor McMichael scored his first goal since December 11 and ended a 13-game goalless drought in the Washington Capitals’ 5-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday.
McMichael lit the lamp in the Capitals’ three-goal first period, converting on a breakaway after being sprung by rookie Ryan Leonard.
McMichael beat Blackhawks goaltender Drew Commesso five-hole, sliding the puck into the net on his forehand before even making a move. The tally gave the Capitals a 2-0 lead with 4:53 remaining in the opening stanza.
The goal came in the opening game of the Capitals’ 2026 Mentors’ Trip, which annually brings together the players’ fathers, brothers, and in-laws to bond with the team.
McMichael’s dad, Murray, was in attendance to cheer his son on at United Center and was proud of his Connor’s goal — though he admitted he almost missed it in a “McStory” he shared with the Capitals.
“Yeah, it was amazing that he scored last night,” Murray said, beginning to recount the moment. “The funny story was I was actually out of the box when that was happening, and I ran into another box, which was a Chicago box, and they’re like, ‘What are you doing in here?’ I said, ‘That’s my son. He’s about to score.’ And sure enough, he scored. So, they actually cheered for me. They told me to get out after.”
After the game, McMichael gave props to the mentors, believing their presence had lifted the team.
“You could just tell the vibes were up; everyone was having fun, enjoying their time,” McMichael said. “I think we carried that into [today’s game], and a lot of credit goes to the dads and the mentors.”
McMichael’s two-point game (1g, 1a) gave him eight points (1g, 7a) in his last six appearances.