Capitals Win Thriller In Boston
Physicality was the highlight of tonight’s game between the Capitals and Bruins. From the very beginning, the two teams were going at each other with the body. Heavy hitting and solid defensive play by both teams led to the low scoring affair and a Capitals 2-1 shootout victory.
There was not much space on the ice tonight as the Caps and Bruins racked up a total of 54 hits. To emphasize just how physical this game was, the Capitals had the same number of hits as they did shots (28) and the Bruins had more hits (26) than they did shots (19). Offensively, there wasn’t much to show for either team. Tied at zero through two, we wondered who would blink first. David Pastranak tallied a goal early in the third for the Bruins. However, Lars Eller responded to tie it five minutes later, recording a point in his fourth straight game.
There was little to show for the rest of the third, and nothing was tallied in overtime either. Jakub Vrana scored the lone goal and the game winner for the Caps in the shootout. Vrana is three for six in shootouts in his career (50%). Vitek Vanecek had a good outing again tonight and saved 18 total shots, as well as all three shootout chances. Vanecek has recorded three straight wins and leads all NHL rookies with 10 wins on the year.
The Capitals played very good hockey again tonight earning them a record of 13-5-4 so far this year. They currently are riding a four game win streak and are 7-1-1 in their last nine games. The win got the Capitals to 30 points on the year and helped head coach Peter Laviolette win his 650th career game. Laviolette is the 15th head coach to reach the mark.
The Caps, riding a hot streak will be back in action in Boston again on Friday (3/5) at 7pm.
