The Washington Capitals destroyed the New Jersey Devils 6-2 on Thursday, and they owe half of those goals to a country “where the moose is king, Pippi Longstocking is a hero and innovation rules.” ALL THREE SWEDES SCOARED. That’s worth a fancy photoshop and some fancy GIFs, amirite?
Marcus Johansson’s Goal
6:18 into the second period, Marcus Johansson broke the game’s 2-2 tie. Johansson, who has been begged by Barry Trotz and everyone else on the planet to shoot more, took a pass from Brooks Laich, put his head down, and actually shot at the net. It went in and stood as the game-winning goal. Johansson already has two even-strength tallies through four games, which is the same amount he had in 80 games last year. Like Peter said: this is baffling.
Nicklas Backstrom’s Goal
Early in the third period, Nicklas Backstrom decided to join in on the Swedish party. After Matt Niskanen rocketed a shot from the point, Backstrom used his Swedish knee to Swede the puck into the net. I’m using his home country as a verb now. Nicky now has 499 career points, which is somehow almost half of what Ovechkin’s tallied in one fewer season.
Andre Burakovsky’s Goal
Finally, the Barracuda got on the board on the power play. (Yes, that’s his new nickname.) Andre Burakovsky once again used his powerful, pinpoint wrist shot to beat Scott Clemmensen clean. It was impressive. Dude is leading the Calder race right now. That is also baffling.
If Joel Ward wouldn’t have scored his stupid, flukey goal, all three Swedes would have scored consecutively. Aw, man. Whatever though. What an awesome night.
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