The Colorado Avalanche stormed into Capital One Arena without a loss. It marked both Andre Burakovsky’s first game back and Phillipp Grubauer’s first start against his former squad. How’d the two teams fare? Glad you asked.
Erik Johnson ripped one past Braden Holtby three minutes into the game. Nikita Zadorov got his first point against the Caps with a spin-o-rama goal. Nazem Kadri caught Holtby sleeping to make it 3-0, and Ilya Samsonov came on in relief. He didn’t fare any better, and Mikko Rantanen potted one on the power-play. Lars Eller gave the Caps some life in the second period, and TJ Oshie added a cheeky back-hand to cut Colorado’s lead to two. But it was all for naught, as Colin Wilson snuck one in off a bad Samsonov turnover. Ovi pounded one in from the blueline, and John Carlson pinged one in 15 seconds later but that was offsides. Nathan MacKinnon quashed the comeback with an empty-netter. Yech.
CAPS LOSE 6-3
- Let’s start with an obligatory Nats Game Three Tweet. Can we discuss Gerardo Parra boosting into the ballpark on a scooter? Look at that WHIPPPPP.
- Now for the hockey. Colorado came into this game without a loss, and it’s clear why. That top line of Nathan MacKinnon, Gabriel Landeskog, and Mikko Rantanen plays smart and fast, they now have legit depth up front and on defense, and Grubi is proving he can handle starting goalie minutes. Everything they do they do with speed, and it’s clear that most teams can’t keep up. They’re definitely up there for my pick as a Stanley Cup favorite.
- Ovi Jr. got to see his first live hockey game! And he saw his dad score!! Oh god my heart.
- Unfortunately, it was NOT a good first game to witness. Washington sleep-walked through the first period, leaving Braden Holtby out to dry with ill-advised pinches, passes to nowhere, and an overall lack of effort that was disturbing. The Caps tried to muster a comeback, but digging yourself a 4-0 hole to start isn’t the smartest. Burn the tape for sure, and move onto the next game.
- Tom Wilson and Andre Burakovksy chirped each other to start the game. Just two brobeans in a pod.
- In a bit of good news, Nic Dowd played in his 200th game today. For a seventh round pick from Huntsville, AL, that is an insane amount of odds stacked against one person to even crack an NHL lineup. Good on ya!
- Peter and I argued whether 5 pm was late afternoon or early evening for ‘suit of the night’ purposes. According to the internet, it’s technically early evening. Bow to your new queen.
Duunnn dunnn…
Duuuunnnn duun…
Duuunnnnnnnn dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun. pic.twitter.com/OltZGRRLlF
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) October 14, 2019
#OviJr’s first game! pic.twitter.com/vdC4i0Vkr8
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 14, 2019
Congrats on career game 2hundo @JimmyDowder26! #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/P4ROIMGyp6
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 14, 2019
Joe B Suit of the Early Evening
A great suit for an awful game #JoeBSuitOfTheNight #CapsAvs pic.twitter.com/wTYkUGC8Pa
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) October 14, 2019
The Caps were due for a stinker at some point, and this was definitely it. The schedule doesn’t get any easier, as they take on a high powered Toronto Maple Leafs team next on Wednesday at 7 pm. I’m officially dubbing this the Dangle/RMNB Bowl, and no one can tell me otherwise. See you then!
