Capitals backup goaltender Pheonix Copley recorded a milestone in the team’s 4-2 victory Thursday against the Arizona Coyotes.
The goaltender was credited with a secondary assist on Matt Niskanen’s second-period goal — his first career NHL point.
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Copley started the play by sending the puck around the boards to a hard-charging Travis Boyd. The Caps center would later find Matt Niskanen in the offensive zone, who threw a shot on net and it deflected home.
After the game, Copley was asked about his milestone point.
“I didn’t realize [I was given an assist] until later,” Copley said. “But that was cool.”
Are the Capitals letting you keep the puck?
“I don’t know!” Copley said laughing. “I don’t know.”
Copley is now tied with Braden Holtby for the Capitals’ team lead in goaltending points (1). Holtby has 9 career assists in 381 games.
On the evening, Copley made 27 saves on 29 shots. The North Pole, Alaska native also made a thrilling pokecheck in the second period, leaving his crease to poke the puck away on a breakaway attempt.
Copley has won five of his eight starts this season, all on the road.
