The league’s number-one and number-two teams collided as the Washington Capitals hosted the Boston Bruins on Wednesday night, delivering a night of real good hockey.
NHL goal leader David Pastrnak scored first with an odd-man rush. TJ Oshie scored two goals in the second period, including a thrilling highlight-reel goal we’ll discuss below. Sean Kuraly tied the game early in the third period by deflecting Krug’s wild shot from way out, but John Carlson answered with a one-timer serviced by Nicklas Backstrom. The lead held.
Caps win!
- The Caps came out shooting in the first period, a welcome correction after the misery that was Monday’s game against Columbus. The Caps earned a goal or two in that first frame, but Jaroslav Halak still has the Caps’ number.
- Patrice Bergeron kinda/sorta scored a goal in the first period, a big power-play goal, but it was called off for offside. A bad rule, but one well argued by Washington.
- TJ Oshie looked amazing in the second period as he scored his 12th and 13th goals of the season. Number 13 was wonderful in particular.
- Zdeno Chara fought Tom Wilson in the first period. Stunningly, Tom Wilson is not dead.
- The Caps took way too many penalties in this one: six minors. The Bruins had been one of the best PP teams in the league for much of the season so far, but they’ve been ice cold lately. Patrice Bergeron hit the back of the, but a successful offside challenge from Washington nullified it.
NOT THE FACE pic.twitter.com/j3DWVtR0gi
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) December 12, 2019
That was an imperfect game with some highs and lows. But the better team won, and those two standings points matter most. Next up is the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday. See you there.
