Nate Schmidt is a great hockey player who should play in every Capitals game. Recently, however, ya boy Smitty has been scratched for Taylor Chorney, after the latter scored the game-winning tally in the Capitals’ New Year’s Day victory.
Well, time to put down the Chorn Horn and ride Schmidt Scooter to Goaltown, USA.
On Thursday night, the Capitals broke the Columbus Blue Jackets’ 16-game winning streak, stopping them from tying the NHL record for most wins in a single season. More importantly, defenseman Jesus Schmidt scored his first goal since January 7, 2016.
“It’s been weighing on me,” Schmidt said when I asked him about his recent rough road, with two straight healthy scratches. He then laughed heartily at his misfortunate. “It’s been a little tough lately. You just got to stick with it. … When they call your name, just be ready!”
Schmidt first got on the scoresheet when he blasted a shot from the point that got tied up in front of the net, eventually leading to Daniel Winnik‘s snow-shovel forehand marker that opened the game.
Winnie cleaning up the crease #CapsJackets on @csnma pic.twitter.com/UgSxkxv2PI
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 6, 2017
I think we’ve been playing a much faster game recently,” Schmidt said of Washington’s play. “That’s what makes our motor run.”
The real eye candy came in the second period, when Schmidt took a pass from Alex Ovechkin in the slot. He fired a rifle of a wrist shot, but it was saved by Jackets star goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. Luckily for Schmidt, the rebound came right to him. He unleashed a deadly, nearly identical wrist shot. The Capitals took a 3-0 lead.
“I was just so happy!” Schmidt told me, smiling ear to ear.
Bask in the glory
Schmidt happens #CapsJackets on @csnma pic.twitter.com/uCUmtRGgnm
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 6, 2017
Schmidt’s goal sealed a thrilling win over the hottest team we’ve seen in the NHL in 25 years.
The Caps added two more tallies, finishing the game as fans roared “Kill the streak!” before the buzzer.
“I think that streak speaks for itself,” Schmidt said. “I think it’s not the last time we’ll see those guys.”
Headline photo: Chris Gordon
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