The Caps faced their second away game of the season against a home opening squad and spoiled yet another as they took down the New York Islanders 2-1 in regulation.
The Caps out-shot the Isles 28 to 26 and out-attempted them at five-on-five 53 to 37.
By Chris Cerullo 4 years ago
Braden Holtby backed up rookie goaltender Ilya Samsonov in Friday night’s 2-1 win over the NY Islanders. Samsonov put in a strong 25-save debut performance, so there was little for Holtby to worry about from the sidelines.
So he took selfies with fans during the game.
By Elizabeth Kong 4 years ago
Ilya Samsonov won his first game in the NHL on Friday against the New York Islanders. The 22-year-old Russian made 25 saves for the 2-1 victory. Martin Fehervary presented him with the Capitals Hard Hat, which this year is a Nationals batting helmet.
“I feel great. First win in the NHL,” Samsonov said sheepishly afterwards.
Samsonov was asked if he had any nerves during the game. “Just little bit, just little bit nervous.”
Just as he stood unflinching in net, Samsonov then did not bat an eye as Tom Wilson gave him the traditional shaving-cream pie to the face in the middle of his postgame interview.
Samsonov immediately wiped the shaving cream from his face and kept talking.
The Capitals met their Metro Division foe New York Islanders in the Isles home opener. Would the Caps and their rookie netminder be able to spoil the festivities?
The overtime hero on Wednesday, Jakub Vrana was the first to dent the twine in this one. Devon Toews “scored” by passing the puck to three different Capitals skates. TJ Oshie put home a power play marker on his backhand from his knees in front.
Caps beat Islanders 2-1!
By Chris Cerullo 4 years ago
Last spring, TJ Oshie had a metal plate inserted into his body after fracturing his collarbone during Game Four of the Capitals’ first-round series against the Carolina Hurricanes.
“It’s just the whole thing is metal now,” Oshie said. “I got a lot of metal in my body. I needed a plate for the whole thing, so she’s strong. Bunch of screws, so I am good. Ready to go.”
Friday, in the Capitals’ second game of the season, Oshie connected on the powerplay for his first goal since the injury and of the new season. After a long summer of rehab, this goal must have felt especially good.
Starting off his fourth NHL season hot, Jakub Vrana has scored in back-to-back games.
Beating new Isles goalie Semyon Varlamov in the first period of Friday’s game, Vrana put a speedy wrist shot on net.
By Ian Oland 4 years ago
The Capitals are still on the road and now on Long Island to play against the Islanders. Puck drop will be right around 7pm EST and you can watch on NBC Sports Washington.
Little note on injuries, but things are improving.
By Elyse Bailey 4 years ago
The Capitals are still on the road, but this time it’s in New York. They’ll be facing off against the Islanders this evening before they head home and finally play in front of the Capital One Arena faithful. Reminder to everyone, it’s ON Long Island. Not IN Long Island. I think.
The boys are back on the east coast, so puck drop will be at the sweet 7PM EST spot. You can catch all the action on NBC Sports Washington and Christopher from the comments will have his first regular season recap this year. Expect some wrestling puns.
By Elyse Bailey 4 years ago
