It’s a hockey night in Washington and the Capitals are already on the board.
Number 18 Chandler Stephenson scored 18 seconds into the game to give the Caps an early 1-0 lead.
The play was made possible by a stunning pass from the defensive zone by future Hockey Hall of Famer, Alex Ovechkin.
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Ovechkin’s outlet pass here from the defensive zone is a work of art. The Russian machine dekes and waits an extra second for Kuznetsov to open up in the neutral zone and build speed. Ovi hits him in stride.
Kuznetsov, flying down the wing, fires a shot on goal. Stephenson jams home the rebound past Frederik Andersen.
Kuzy and Stephenson were very happy in the goal celebration.
“Kuzy, when he wants, can be one of the best players in the league,” Stephenson said during first intermission. “He just skates around and does his thing. I didn’t have to do much except have my stick on the ice. It hit off the pad and went in off my stick. That’s Kuzy.”
Earlier in the day, Capitals head coach Todd Reirden moved Stephenson to the top line for the first time all season.
“Just the depth of [Toronto’s] four lines and the way that they play, I think this lines up better for our four lines matchup-wise for us, and also just looking for someone with a little bit different type of skill set,” Reirden said.
Heading into Saturday night’s game, the Leafs led the NHL in goals with 25.
Well that didn't take long. @cstephenson22 lights the lamp at 18 seconds. Take it away @WesJohnsonVoice pic.twitter.com/tN1elnWkyz
— Joe Kurnos (@joekurnos) October 13, 2018
