It was home opener time at the Capital One Arena (that’s still weird) and boy did the Caps decide to give the red clad crowd a show. Not only did we see the first Australian player in the National Hockey League, but that Alex Ovechkin guy is still constantly making history. Just when you think he can’t top himself, he always surprises in a flurry of power and speed that hockey has never seen and probably will never see again.
Nathan Walker got a great ovation from the crowd, it’s time to drop the puck and Alex Ovechkin has already scored. And then he scored again. And then again. TJ Oshie scored somewhere in between to ruin a portion of the fun, but a 4-0 lead after one period is pretty decent.
Dmitry Orlov turned the puck over trying for the Caps signature “slingshot” play on the power play and the Habs took advantage with a shorty through Brendan Gallagher. Oh, and there’s that guy in red wearing number 8 again for his fourth. Then Walker got his first in the big leagues on a deflection. The official scorer was busy. 6-1 after two periods.
Baila-freaking-mos.
Caps beat Canadiens 6-1!
- First things first. Alex Ovechkin‘s hat trick in back to back games to start a season was the first time a player has accomplished that feat since 1917. I’m great at math and that’s 100 years. The first World War wasn’t even over yet.
- Ovechkin’s line was the highlight of the first match up in Ottawa and they were back again for this one. The captain, Jakub Vrana and Evgeny Kuznetsov combined for about a trillion points and were just generally a problem for the Habs defense all game.
When Kuznetsov Ovechkin and Vrana are on the ice, not much to do I guess. Just take KOVr.
— Muneeb (@muneebalamcu) October 7, 2017
- Karl Alzner was back in town for the home opener, but for the first time in his career on the opposing bench. The Capitals thanked the iron man defenseman with a very nice video tribute. Thanks for everything, Karl.
- Nathan Walker, as said previously, made his NHL debut, becoming the first Australian player in league history. The Caps gave him the full rookie treatment during warmups and created a special moment for Walker’s mom and the rest of his family who were in attendance.
- That same Walker would end up being credited with his first career goal after the goal originally credited to Devante Smith-Pelly was given to him. His family was in a word, thrilled. His mom waved her Australian flag and hugged the rest of the Walker gang.
- RMNB’s Cara Bahniuk made these awesome signs before the Aussie’s debut and you fans showed up in force with them. Special thanks to those who handed them out during warmups!
#GDayNate 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/DSVpsjc7F8
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 7, 2017
- More on that Ovechkin guy. His fourth goal of the night and 565th career goal gave him sole ownership of 22nd on the all-time list, passing Mats Sundin and Joe Nieuwendyk.
- Can we talk about the save Kuznetsov made in the 3rd period after Brooks Orpik decided to take out himself and two of his teammates throwing a “hit”? It’s early season, but #92 looks like he came to earn that big contract he got this summer.
Joe B suit of the night
And…breathe. See you right back here on Monday for a match up with a healthy Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay ‘Ning.
Photo: Patrick McDermott
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