Michael Latta’s First Career Goal Leads Caps to Shootout Victory

November 15, 2013 11:39 pm

“FNJSZDJSFSBF!!!”

Things didn’t look good for the Washington Capitals heading into the last 20 minutes of Friday’s game. Down 3-1, Washington’s lone goal had come from a Brooks Laich breakaway to open the scoring in the first period. But under 12 minutes later, however, the Caps tied it. First, Alex Ovechkin put the team within one, registering the 386th goal of his NHL career, assisted by his new/old linemates Marcus Johansson and Nick Backstrom.

Then — and most importantly — it was Michael Latta, the grinder-cum-Jay Beagle replacement. In his 10th NHL game, Mike backhanded home a fortunate rebound after a bomb from the point off the stick of John Carlson. First career goal for Latta. Tie game for Washington and an eventual win. The fourth liner promptly freaked the hell out.

The 22-year-old, as you may recall, was acquired along with Martin Erat for Filip Forsberg back in April. After tonight, he’s got as many career tallies as Forsberg, which, of course, means absolutely nothing. Nevertheless, Latta’s goal sent the game to extras. The Caps took the game in the skills competition. Mazel tov! The kid’s dad was in attendance too!