Newest addition helps lead Caps to 3rd straight win

The Washington Capitals scouting department should be patting themselves on the back. Less than a week after claiming defenseman Jack St. Ivany off waivers from Winnipeg, the guy is killing it! St. Ivany assisted on both of rookie Cole Hutson’s goals last night in Nashville, his second two-assist game in as many nights as the Caps defeated the Predators 4-3.

"He’s been unbelievable,” Hutson said after the game. “He’s able to kill plays quick and make us transition quick…”

When St. Ivany hit the waiver wire, the Caps scouting department had done their homework on him and knew he fit their system. Head coach Spencer Carbery and his staff were down a man after defenseman Vincent Desharnais had his appendix removed. Instead of bringing Justin Holl up again from Hershey, who scored two goals in two games while Matt Roy was on injured reserve, or giving 22 year-old prospect Ryan Chesley his first taste of the NHL, the Caps instead claimed St. Ivany. They have to be pleased with the results so far as he and Hutson have clicked right away.

Carbery was familiar with St. Ivany from when he coached in Hershey and the latter played with Wilkes-Barre in the AHL. If he continues to play well with Hutson, the Caps defensive depth will strengthen an already deep roster. That will put the organization in a better position for the NHL trade deadline in March.