Yep.
I spent my Saturday at Nationals Park — well, until NHL PR literally chased me out. The stadium is nearly in its full party dress with fake domes, banners, and a sheet of ice with logos on.
But alas, there were still more games on the calendar before New Year’s Day. Tonight the Caps visited Pittsburgh. A bunch of the Penguins have mumps. Crosby had mumps. Mumps makes your face big. Okay, we got that out of the way.
The first was a hard-hitting affair. The Caps got on the board late in the first when 2011 Winter Classic hero and third line but really second line right wing Eric Fehr whacked home a puck in front.
Despite a bunch of power plays nothing happened for a very long time, until the Penguins left Marcus Johansson alone on a rush and he used his slick Swedish hands to make it 2-0.
Five minutes later, Fehr did again, whacking home a puck off the stick of Joel Ward, who was wearing a shirt. About four years ago, Fehr also scored two goals in Pittsburgh. He did it in a football stadium. It was great. I love Eric Fehr. He’s great.
Caps killed off a 5-on-3. That’s it and that’s all. The streak is over! Caps blank Pens 3-0!
- Braden Holtby is a great goaltender. He did it all tonight: lying on the ice, getting called Olie Kolzig and shutting out the freaking Pittsburgh Penguins. Thirty one saves for that beautiful bearded devil.
- So, yeah, Eric Fehr. Eric Fehr. Eric Fehr. Eric Fehr. Two goals. Plus-11 in the Corsis, second highest on the team. Perfection.
- Meanwhile, Jay Beagle set a career high in points with his assist on Fehr’s tally. He almost scored on a breakaway too but, you know, he can’t really shoot. Doesn’t matter. All hail Jay Beagle.
- The second line that is really the third line got back into the action. Driving into the Pens zone two-on-three, Marcus Johansson decided to shoot the puck — something he’s not always fond of — to give the Caps a two goal lead. Maybe it’ll get his trio going.
- This could have been a blowout if the Caps PP had anything doing. Oh-for-five. Ouch. Still the league’s second best power play though. Don’t worry.
- Alex Ovechkin, while not on the scoarboard, was a beast. Eighteen shot attempts for him tonight. Wow. Ten of them reached the net.
- Back in the lineup lately, Andre Burakovsky saw just 5:23 of even-strength ice time, by far the lowest on the team. He did, however, get nearly three minutes of PP time. Hmm.
- I wrote this recap on a terrible day literally with an I.V. in my arm. I did it for Fehrsie, guys. I did it for Fehrsie.
The Caps had not beaten the Penguins since like the Obama administration. That eight game losing streak is over. Your wild Saturday night party starts now. I’m going with a salad and sparkling water.
Washington heads to Long Island Tuesday and then they play outdoors for some reason a few days later. Get your direct line to Ted’s bank account Winter Classic merchandise ready! Next week is going to be fun.
