Capitals Win 1-0 in Shootout
Tonight’s matchup featured the top two teams in the Eastern Division, the Washington Capitals and New York Islanders. Coming into the game, these two teams were tied for first in the division. Over the first five times they have played, the Capitals won three. They looked to add another to that tally tonight.
Early on, the Islanders dominated zone time and scoring chances. They laid shot after shot into the Capitals goaltender, Ilya Samsonov. However, Samsonov proved worthy. He faced a total of 26 shots on the night and saved every single one. This was his second shutout of the season and only the third of his young career. Samsonov has been excellent in net for the Capitals this season as his record is now 12-3-1.
Although both teams had a ton of chances, this game was about the goaltenders. Both Samsonov and Semyon Varlamov, for the Islanders, were excellent in net for their teams. The game went 0-0 through regulation and overtime.
In the shootout, the Islanders struck first. Following their goal, Nicklas Backstrom knotted it up. Then after a shot sent wide by the Islanders, Evgeny Kuznetsov scored the game winner for the Capitals. Beautiful goals by the centermen propelled the Capitals to the victory.
After an intense shootout winner, the Capitals take hold of sole possession in the East, one point ahead of the Islanders. Their next two games are against New York, one in Long Island and the other in Washington.
The Capitals will be back in action again on Saturday (4/24) against the Islanders looking to grow their slim lead in the standings.
