If the Caps didn’t deal from strength, they would get crushed every time, that’s what I always say. Facing the Columbus Blue Jackets in enemy territory, Washington clinged to their guns, you betcha, refusing to lead from behind and definitely not pussy-footing around. Although they allowed the first goal, the Caps fought back their sovereignty. Evgeny Kuznetsov mastered the art of the deal, and Nick Backstrom made hockey great again.
To be sporting, Washington let Columbus score first, giving Kerby Rychel his first career NHL goal. Then it was the Caps’ turn. Nick Backstrom finished an impressive passing sequence by the first line, then Jason Chimera got served a tasty meal by Marcus Johansson.
Up a goal in the second period, the Caps kept pressing. On a four-minute power play, they struck twice– first by Alex Ovechkin from the Ovi spot and then from Nick Backstrom tipping in Kuznetsov’s pass. Boone Jenner scored, but we didn’t care because Andre Burakovsky struck back right after.
Ryan Murray scored in the third and I don’t care I don’t care I don’t care. Marcus Johansson got an empty-netter with 30 seconds left.
Caps beat Blue Jackets 6-3!
Bullets, sure, but first we dance.
Joe B suit of the night
I want to talk about the fourth line. Brooks Laich, Mike Richards, and Michael Latta. Two of those guys are former top-sixers, and one of them is a future middle-sixer. They took only 15 shifts, but that bottom line looked solid every time their skates hit the ice. For multiple reasons I don’t think those three will remain together for long, but it was pretty cool to watch ’em tonight. Dudes from different spots in their careers and different tax brackets hanging out and doing work.
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