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The Capitals led the action from start to finish on Tuesday night in Boston, riding a wave of young offensive talent to a league-leading 61st point. Goals by Andre Burakovsky, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Marcus Johansson lifted the red-white-and-blue beasts of the East to their first win of the new year.
Here’s Tuesday night’s Plus/Minus:
- Plus: Youth is not wasted on the young, at least not on the Capitals roster. Green and Semin, who? With Kuznetsov and Johansson already admirably holding down important roles, and Burakovsky doing a lot the last few nights to shake off his slump, it’s always exciting when the team’s talented core is young.
- Minus: Tom Wilson caught a questionable-at-best hit from known buttface Zac Rinaldo. It’s one thing if Wilson’s reputation draws him penalties. It’s another if it prohibits him from getting calls he should obviously, dangerously, get. Trotz needs to write a sternly-worded letter to the league on Tommy’s behalf.
And now, this…
Holtby makes 2 late saves to secure the win #CapsBruins 3-2 Final pic.twitter.com/BeEJEYU4bh
— CAPITALS HILL (@CapitalsHill) January 6, 2016
Ten more notes on the game:
- “Kuznetsov to Burakovsky.” Let the words roll off your tongue like fine cabernet. A cross-ice saucer of fine wine was Kuznetsov’s gift to Burakovsky in the first period, who buried it high near side in the first period in what will hopefully help to be a slumpbuster. Kuzy to Bura. Kuzy to Bura. Kuzy to Bura. I want another decade of that.
- The Capitals have the league’s best record when scoring first, a whomping, bruising, 22-1-0.
- Call-up Zach Sill dangerously boarded Boston’s Adam McQuaid in the 2nd period. McQuaid would not return. Sill is known for being a tough guy, and – okay, fine, sure. So long as he isn’t being a goon, a thug, or a danger.
GIF: Zach Sill’s board of Adam McQuaid pic.twitter.com/g5aTxm5DwD
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) January 6, 2016
- With just over six and a half minutes to go in the 2nd period, Evgeny Kuznetsov decided to reassert and further empirically verify the assertion that he is one of the best snipers in the league. After hustling into the zone, he slammed the brakes, dipsy-dooed, and walked in a touch before firing a bullet into the back of the net. Joe B. just laughed on the broadcast.
KUZYYYY pic.twitter.com/20c0eVEIKz
— CAPITALS HILL (@CapitalsHill) January 6, 2016
- Speaking of Kuznetsov, with 2 points tonight, Kuzy has 9 in his last 8 games and brings his total to 37, equaling his entire 2014-2015 total. He is on pace for nearly 80 points. Not bad, sir. Not bad.
- According to HockeyStats.ca, the Capitals led the Bruins by almost DOUBLE the even-strength shot attemps at the end of the first period and at the end of the second period. You want to talk about starting hot? That’s how you start hot.
- Marcus Johansson became the 7th Capital to reach double figures in goals, the most in the NHL. With his 10th tally, he is on pace (barely) for a career-record 21.
- Ovechkin remains just a stone’s throw away from 500 career goals. Where will the milestone happen?
- With a win tonight and Dallas’ loss to New York, the Capitals retake sole possession of first place in the league. They stay 9 points up in the Eastern Conference (Florida) and 11 points ahead of the Metropolitan Division rival Islanders. Expensive liquor all around!
- Craig Laughlin’s mother is now on Twitter, and tweeting adorable little homemade chocolate-chip-nuggets of cuteness like this. Follow her, won’t you? And maybe call a little more often?
Puck to net – shoot – score pic.twitter.com/TS41PcGMbK
— Grandma-Locker (@JosieJosephinel) January 6, 2016
The Caps are top of the heap, and all other tribes must pay tribute to us. It is a good day to be a Washington hockey fan. Next up: the Islanders on Thursday in Brooklyn.
Game highlights: