The Washington Capitals have been playing just like they want against the Tampa Bay Lightning with the singular exception of the score. Despite outshooting the Bolts, the Caps had just a one-goal lead in the closing minutes of the second period. Then, as Braydon Coburn’s delay-of-game penalty was about to expire, Evgeny Kuznetsov slapped a pass right onto Jason Chimera’s stick. Scary good.
The Caps had a lot of zone time, incidentally provided by Kuznetsov’s solid carry-in to the zone, but couldn’t beat Tampa goaltender Vasilevskiy. Alex Ovechkin had left the ice as time was about to expire, which is when Kuznetsov did his thing.
From wide on the half wall, Kuznetsov spotted Jason Chimera camping out in the paint. A glorious slap pass and simple tip-in later, and the Caps lead 2-0.
That’s Chimera’s 6th goal of the season and Kuznetsov’s 18th assist. Jesus, really? Yeah. Wow.
Chimera points at Kuznetsov after the goal.
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