Gamecenter – Natural Stat Trick
The Washington Capitals and Minnesota Wild faced off Sunday night — and while these two teams had not played each other yet this season, and no prior animus existed (that we know of), we still got a wild, back-and-forth hockey game with 34 total minutes of penalties and a vicious fight.
But the Capitals came out on top, getting a critical two points to stay on top of the division.
Plus: Braden Holtby was excellent again, making 37 saves in the victory as he continues to recover from his mediocre play earlier in the season. After three straight losses, Braden now has three straight wins.
Minus: The defense that required Holtby to make 37 saves. Holtby had little help on the goals-against and he bailed his d-man out on other occasions, as the Wild pummeled 17 shots on net in the 3rd period. The Capitals mixed up their blue line once again… and it did not go to plan.
Ten more notes on the game:
Sunday’s game was odd from the start with its nasty, wide-open feel that seemed almost playoff-esque. The big boys and the man in net were able to save the game for Washington, giving them a three point lead in the Metropolitan Division on the Philadelphia Flyers. The Capitals return home to face Philly Wednesday. It’s a big one.