The Washington Capitals emerged victorious from a road game against the Nashville Predators on Tuesday night, but whether it was a good game or not is up for debate.
Joe Snively extended his hot start with a goal in the first period set up by Conor Sheary. Nashville rang iron four times but then beat Samsonov with a lucky bounce early in the third period. In quick response, Nick Jensen teamed up with the Dowd line for a gorgeous goal, then Alex Ovechkin scored on the power play. Ovi added another with an empty-netter.
Caps win 4-1.
- Joe Snively through eight games: three goals, three assists. Not bad for a Herndonian.
- Justin Schultz left the game after the first period with — well, we’re told it’s an upper-body injury, but look at the video clip and lemme know what you think.
- Alex Ovechkin‘s had a rough time with Mattias Ekholm and Alexandre Carrier, but Ovi got his offense on the power play. His PPG ends a six-game slump and puts up at 30 on the season.
- There was a lot of good in this game, but we have to acknowledge that the Caps got very lucky. The Preds hit a lot of pipe and really controlled play late in each period.
Nashville rang iron four times before cracking Samsonov's shutout pic.twitter.com/LytxL0YG77
— Peter Hassett (@peterhassett) February 16, 2022
- I don’t mean to take away from Ilya Samsonov‘s effort. He had to make 15 stops in the first period, and he was darn good when he had to be.
- I just want to include video of the Jensen goal. This passing was so smooth, and everyone was involved.
- Connor McMichael broke ten minutes of ice time and had two great breakaway chances.
On the road again! @JoeBpXp's been saving this one, I'm sure. #joebsuitofthenight pic.twitter.com/OQNqViKGEe
— Peter Hassett (@peterhassett) February 16, 2022
Was this a good game? I dunno. It’s complicated. Washington got outplayed overall, but the scoreboard looked good. But a lot of good luck was needed to make this a happy outcome, and Washington’s weakness at five-on-five continues unabated. But we got some gorgeous plays from grinders, a big goal from a young kid, and Ovi padded the stats. Again: I dunno. Any win is pretty good, I suppose, but you decide i the comments.
Meanwhile, are we all staying up late on Wednesday for the Canada-US game?
Headline image: NBC Sports Washington
