‘DSC_6093’
courtesy of ‘Ghost_Bear’
The Washington Capitals hosted the Pittsburgh Penguins last night and for all the noise, excitement, and skill on display on and off the ice, one would think it was the NHL playoffs already.
The Caps won 4-3 in the shootout on Mike Knuble’s fake-out during sudden death. Knuble was a surprise to see come off the bench, as he’s been 0-4 ever since the shootout started in 2005. “I couldn’t believe Bruce was doing it to me,” Knuble said when asked about Coach Bruce Boudreau’s choice. “I didn’t play in overtime at all, so I thought my night was over. I told him when I got off the ice, ‘I don’t like you when you do that. Don’t do that stuff to me.'”
Knuble had a solid night during regulation, tipping in the first goal of the game at the start of the second period. The Penguins’ Maxime Talbot evened-up a little over a minute later, and the Penguins entered the dreaded third period up 2-1. Before last night, the Caps have outscored the Pens 14-1 in the third over the last two years. Alexander Semin and Eric Fehr continued the Caps’ domination and seemed to have the game well in hand until Jordan Staal flipped in the tying goal at 16:54.
The win has given the Caps 108 points on the season, tying the franchise record they set last year. With nine games to go, it’s a sure thing to see that record fall. Especially when six of the last nine are at home – the Caps own the NHL’s best home record at 27-4-4. Next up is a road game versus division rival Carolina tonight at 7 pm, then back home on Sunday against the struggling Calgary Flames at 3 pm. Both games are carried on the Comcast Sports Network.
(Still riding that hockey high? Relive the excitement from last night’s game through my “photo log” on Flickr.)
Having lived in the DC area for ten years, Ben still loves to wander the city with his wife, shooting lots of photos and exploring all the latest exhibits and galleries. A certified hockey fanatic, he spends some time debating the Washington Capitals club with friends – but everyone knows of his three decade love affair with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
A professional writer, gamer, photographer, and Lego enthusiast, Ben remains captivated by DC and doesn’t plan on leaving any time soon.
That was a fantastic game, start to finish. I really lucked out- I got to watch the best years of the Avalanche/Red Wings rivalry, then moved here to get the Caps/Pens fury at it’s peak as well. What more could a hockey fan want?
Other than a Cup parade up Independence Blvd., of course.
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@TheDenverite season tickets on the glass of course :)
Wow what a game last night. The win last night means the Caps are only 3 points away from clinching 1st place in the East. No other team has even clinched a playoff spot yet, although Chicago has a chance tonight I believe.
Ovie & Semin were clutch in the shootout, pressure was on and they delivered.
Also, I believe the Calgary game is at 3pm…
Simon – you’re right, it is 3 p.m. I’d thought so originally, but the Caps infosheet last night had it at 7. Seems that was in error; it’s still at 3 on CSN and the Rogers Sports Network.
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