The Capitals headed to the Consol Energy Center for their final matchup of their five game road trip. The Caps had taken the last two contests with 3-1, and 3-0 wins. Michal Neuvirth got the start for Washington because he had shutout the Pens two weeks ago.
The Penguins came out firing on Neuvy out-shooting the Caps 18-7 in the first period. This went along with the Capitals getting three penalties, but killing all of the chances. The Caps also had one extra man opportunity and failed to execute on it.
Washington came out in the 2nd period with a different, more offensive mentality. Neither team capitalized on some early penalties taken by both teams. Then Matt Bradley pumped up his team and possibly every Caps fan watching when he threw down the gloves with Ryan Craig. Brads landed numerous shots in one of the most exciting fights I’ve seen all year.
Alex Ovechkin and the Caps were given one more chance on the power play in the second period when Joe Vitale was called for tripping. Ovi answered the call with a high cheesoline missile beating Marc-Andre Fleury. His slap shot came from the pass of Marcus Johansson on the extra man giving the Caps a 1-0 lead.
The third period was a tremendous defensive effort by the Capitals. Neuvy played spectacular in the contest stopping all 39 shots. Recording his second shutout of the season vs. the Penguins he has proven himself. There were no goals or penalties in the third period of the game. Ovi’s goal ended up being the only goal of the game making it the game winner. It was his eighth game winning goal of the season tying him for 1st in the league.
This win overall was a great team effort and a positive way to end this 5 game road trip. The Caps went 3-2 over the past week on the road which is respectable. They now have a three day break and play the Rangers at home on Friday. Finally, Caps will be home sweet home at the Verizon Center. The pucks drops at 7 Rock the Red!
Player of the Game: Michal Neuvirth (30 save shutout)
Stat of the Game: GWG (Alex Ovechkin)
Unsung Hero: Matt Bradley
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