A matchup between two Metro division foes usually means good things for hockey fans. Instead, tonight’s game was dreadful. Keith Kinkaid made it hard for the home team to light the lamp. And this season, practically no visiting team at Verizon Center can score goals (32 goals against in 18 games coming into this one) against Braden Holtby or Philipp Grubauer.
Your recap of the game goes like this. The Caps would misfire on two early power play chances and after a flurry of late scoring chances the first period would end scoreless. Shots in favor of the good guys 14-8.
The second period would start and immediately head downhill as Evgeny Kuznetsov decided to give the Devils a 1-0 lead. The period ended 1-0 after some heroics from the Devil’s netminder. Shots were 29 to 15 Caps.
The third period however went much better for the Caps. Daniel Winnik struck shorthanded off a great feed from Jay Beagle to tie the game up at 1.
But the Devils would ultimately win in the shootout. Devils win 2-1.
Observations
- Alex Ovechkin passed Dale Hunter for 4th all-time in games played for the Caps and Nicklas Backstrom passed Kevin Hatcher for 11th all-time.
- Devils backup goalie Keith Kinkaid was fantastic making 43 stops on 44 shots.
- The “third line” got more ice tonight and rewarded their coach with another great showing. Dominating possession and creating several scoring chances.
- Evgeny Kuznetsov had a heartwarming moment with the Devils bench. JK, he tried to knock P.A. Parenteau.
- A big celebrity was in the house for the game.
All the goals
1-0 Devils. Goal by PA Parenteau (10) Unassisted.
If at first you don't succeed… #CapsDevils on @CSNMA pic.twitter.com/jTd2h32Ppl
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 30, 2016
1-1 Tie. Goal by Daniel Winnik (5) assisted by Jay Beagle (8) and John Carlson (15).
Cammalleri shootout goal pic.twitter.com/mx4UlogJYg
— Stephanie (@myregularface) December 30, 2016
Josefson shootout goal pic.twitter.com/eGOcWlbArf
— Stephanie (@myregularface) December 30, 2016
2-1. Shootout Goals by Michael Cammalleri and Jacob Josefson.
Joe B Suit of the Night
#JoeBSuitOfTheNight #CapsDevils pic.twitter.com/FCaYxPbcpp
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) December 30, 2016
