Remember that feeling of pure, unadulterated joy? I certainly do! It was the day the Washington Capitals returned home to Capital One Arena to face the Chicago Blackhawks. It was a game I'll never forget. After a tough 4-3 loss in Canada, the Capitals were ready to face the Blackhawks. And it was special, because it was the first time since one of my favorite days as a Caps fan.
That day, Alex Ovechkin scored his 893rd and 894th career goals, tying Wayne Gretzky for the all-time goals record. The atmosphere was electric, and tears streamed down my face. 'The Great One' himself was in attendance! It was a classic Ovi night, with the Capitals' legend rising to the occasion by scoring two incredible goals. He set himself up for history with an empty-net goal in front of his home fans. But, in a show of true sportsmanship, he chose to let Ryan Leonard score on the empty net, notching the first goal of his career.
From the respectful bows to the celebratory beer bath, it was one of the greatest nights I've ever witnessed, perhaps second only to the Caps winning the Stanley Cup in 2018. This game serves as a reminder of the amazing hockey we've been able to watch over the last two decades. We, as fans, share so much passion for this team, and we've come so far together. A lot of that is thanks to the 'Big Man,' but it's also thanks to all of us who pour our hearts into the team, from deciding to play hockey, reading about it (thank you!), teaching our kids (love you, Ethan), and buying season tickets. It's a special place to love hockey, and I'm always grateful to share my passion with you.
Now, let's get down to business. Unfortunately, I have some news. Aliaksei Protas is out tonight due to injury. However, Justin Sourdif, who had two incredible games on New Year's Eve and New Year's, will play despite missing the morning skate. Logan Thompson will be starting in net against...
The puck dropped a little after 7:00 pm. Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin called the game on Monumental Sports Network.
Here's the lineup:
Washington Capitals:
- Ovechkin
- Strome
- Beauvillier
- McMichael
- Sourdif
- Wilson
- Frank
- Dowd
- Leonard
- Duhaime
- Lapierre
- Milano
- Fehervary
- Carlson
- Chychrun
- Roy
- Sandin
- TVR
- Thompson
- Lindgren
Chicago Blackhawks:
- Bertuzzi
- Greene
- Burakovsky
- Donato
- Dickinson
- Mikheyev
- Teravainen
- Moore
- Lardis
- Dach
- Foligno
- Slaggert
- Vlasic
- Crevier
- Kaiser
- Levshunov
- Grzelcyk
- Murphy
- Knight
- Soderblom
1st Period
The game began with McMichael-Sourdif-Wilson and Fehervary-Carlson on the ice. But here's where it gets controversial... a blown assignment by Dylan Strome and Rasmus Sandin left Ryan Donato wide open in front of the net, leading to an easy goal for the Blackhawks.
1-0 Chicago Blackhawks
Goal: Ryan Donato (10). Assists: I. Mikheyev (5). Time: 1:13
Anthony Beauvillier nearly scored after a great pass from Alex Ovechkin. Then, Dylan Strome scored on a rebound. We’re tied!
1-1 tie
Goal: Dylan Strome (10). Assists: E. Frank (8), T. van Riemsdyk (5). Time: 4:46
Matt Roy was hit hard. Andre Burakovsky almost scored. Tyler Bertuzzi had a high-danger chance, and the Caps' defense was looking 'SKETCHY,' according to Joe B. Tom Wilson took a stick to the face and was in a lot of pain. He was helped off the ice. More defensive issues led to another near goal for Donato. Connor McMichael missed a shot. At the end of the period, the score was tied 1-1, with the Caps having 13 shots on goal compared to the Blackhawks' 9.
2nd Period
Tom Wilson did not return to the game. Duhaime had an opportunity near the net. Ilya Mikheyev had a semi-breakaway. Jakob Chychrun was called for roughing. Bertuzzi scored, giving the Blackhawks the lead.
2-1 Chicago Blackhawks
PPG: Teuvo Teravainen (9). Assists: T. Bertuzzi (12), A. Burakovsky (17). Time: 4:24
Sonny Milano had a nice rush, but couldn’t score. Ryan Leonard lost his blade. Dowd hit the post. The Caps have hit the post 55 times this season. Tom Wilson is questionable to return. Dowd hit the post again. 56 times. Burakovsky was stopped by Thompson. At the end of the period, the Blackhawks were winning 2-1, and were outplaying the Caps. The Caps had 20 shots compared to the Blackhawks' 18.
3rd Period
Still no Tom Wilson.
What are your thoughts on the game so far? Do you think the Capitals can turn things around? Share your opinions in the comments below!
