Coming into tonight’s nationally broadcast game against the Boston Bruins, the Caps had lost three of four games and exhibited some of their worst hockey of the Barry Trotz era.
But it appears after some naughty words and harsh conversations, Trotz has lit a fire under his team.
The Capitals first line, consisting of Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, and Justin Williams, put on a forechecking clinic in the first period. The ice cold Williams scored twice – the benefactor of hard work and hustle by his Russian linemates.
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Dirty. Greasy. Beautiful. #CapsBruins pic.twitter.com/9nhhtKBBdg
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 8, 2016
On Williams’ first goal, the Caps carried the puck into the zone beautifully before Evgeny Kuznetsov launched a beautiful saucer pass to the net. Williams, at the right place at the right time, got the shaft of his stick on the puck and deflected it past Tuukka Rask for his first goal since November 16th.
This is mesmerizing.
Déjà vu. Kuzy → Justin #CapsBruins pic.twitter.com/7YJIdkRoZM
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 8, 2016
On Williams’ second tally, the Caps gained entry into the zone after a beautiful hustle play by Alex Ovechkin, which included a diving pass to Williams in the slot.
Mr. Game Seven didn’t score there, but would later pot the biscuit after Kuznetsov took the puck strong to the net.
Williams initially didn’t know he scored. The shot went in very fast and hid under the lip of the net. It wasn’t until an overhead replay and a super slomo that you could see the puck did indeed cross the goal line (and not disappear into the ether).
And we’re now on…
Hat Trick watch for @JustinWilliams 👀 👀 👀 (h/t @Capitals) #RivalryNight pic.twitter.com/Qc0BMYtz0e
— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) December 8, 2016
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