The Washington Capitals were really good in a matinee game hosted by the Boston Bruins. I think it’s really important to celebrate that. We haven’t gotten a lot of good Caps games lately, but this was one was really good. Bravo.
Early in the second period, TJ Oshie scored a power-play goal from the slot, assisted by Max Pacioretty along the goal line. Three minutes into the third period, Dylan Strome caught a pass from Alex Ovechkin to score his 20th of the season and put the Caps up 2-0. Alex Ovechkin added an empy-netter.
Caps win! Shutout for Charlie Lindgren!
- If you go into every game with positive mental attitude, you will still be disappointed a lot, but you would not have been disappointed today. Today was a good day for PMA.
We got that P.M.A., rooting for a plucky underdog win, Sgarbossa is 2C legendary game begins now
— RMNB (@rmnb) February 10, 2024
- The Boston Bruins did not look prepared to play. They had trouble with turnovers and regaining possession in their own zone. But I don’t want to take away from the Capitals’ effort. They were strong on the puck, they won battles along the boards, and they extended their time on attack. A lot of players deserve credit for that, but I want to shout out…
- Mike Sgarbossa, AHL callup and surprise pivot for the second line, between Pacioretty and Wilson. Sgarbossa doesn’t have top-end NHL talent, but he’s a solid player with a lot of details to like. In particular, I appreciate how he kept getting the puck deep into the Boston zone and then made them fight for it. I know the Caps are trying out a lot of youth lately, but if you ever need a depth player you can trust – tap Sgarbossa.
- In the first period alone, Max Pacioretty drew a hold and then got speared by Matt Grzelcyk. Coming back in the next period, he set up Oshie for the first goal. Two drawn penalties and an assist is a fine effort for a half-million dollar game.
- The game got pretty ugly at the end of the second period – a lot of choppy play, turnovers, and not a lot of offense – just six attempts for either team in the last five minutes.
- Two trips and a hook in the third period – one from Carlson, one from Pacioretty, a third from Ovechkin – put the Caps on the ropes while protecting a two-goal lead. That made the ending way more interesting than it needed to be.
- Dylan Strome becomes Washington’s first 20-goal scorer.
- Alex Ovechkin‘s goal streak extends to four games with that empty netter. He had some good looks throughout the day. Could not be happier to see him finally hitting the back of the net.
it is offensive to fashionistas like us at rmnb to see these suits, we are dry-heaving right now, sad pic.twitter.com/wD402rOveK
— RMNB (@rmnb) February 10, 2024
That was a wonderful way to spend a few hours on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. I had the windows cracked, letting in some fresh air, hanging out with a gassy dog I’m dogsitting, eating some queso, watching the Washington Capitals play hockey well. I’m grateful.
Anyway, it’s a little after 6 PM on the east coast right now. The Caps have to clean up and get to the airport, fly to DC, get home, and go to sleep. Their next game starts in like 19 hours, and it’s against the best team in the league.
