Nicklas Backstrom Records 700th Career Assist in loss to Bruins
Coming into Friday night’s game, the Capitals had been riding a hot streak, 7-1-1 in their previous nine games. Unfortunately, that same play did not take place as the Bruins got the best of them, 5-1. Similar to Wednesday’s game in Boston, this one was once again a physical bout with a combined 56 hits, two fights, and plenty of post-whistle scuffles.
After the fist period, the Capitals trailed 1-0 following a goal from Brad Marchand. Overall, the Capitals had more shots and scoring chances than the Bruins after one, but could not convert. Then in the second, things began to unravel rather quickly. A fight between Tom Wilson and Jarred Tinordi sparked the momentum for the Bruins as they tallied three second period goals.
After giving up four goals on 18 shots, Head Coach Peter Laviolette replaced Vitek Vanecek with Ilya Samsonov. Vanecek had a tough night, but did not have much help in front of him either as the Bruins had a few wide open chances that led to goals.
Early in the third, Nick Ritchie tallied another goal for the Bruins, putting them up 5-0. Immediately following the goal, Tom Wilson dropped the gloves again, this time with Trent Frederic. Wilson had a target on his back after a hit on Brandon Carlo in the first. Carlo was slow to get up and was unable to return to the game.
One of the few positives to come out of this game however was the goal by Jakub Vrana late in the third. Vrana bagged his eighth goal of the season and was assisted by none other than Nicklas Backstrom. This assist marked Backstrom’s 700th career assist, making him the 54th player in NHL history to reach the milestone. Backstrom, who is the Capitals franchise leader in assists, became only the third active player with 700 Assists.
The Capitals will look to rebound on Sunday night (3/7) in Philadelphia against the Flyers.
