Last night the Cap's new acquisitions put on their red sweaters for the first time. The Caps faced off vs. the Islanders for the fourth time this season. Early on both Jason Arnott and Marco Sturm had scoring chances for the Caps. In the first period the Capitals looked as if they had a new identity getting lots of pucks to the net.
The game was scoreless after the first but the Isles would tally the first goal when Matt Moulson beat Michal Neuvirth on a one timer. Each team failed on all power play chances throughout the game. The Caps looked flat in the second period and didn't look very functional on the PP.
The Caps had many golden opportunities in the first fifteen minutes of the third but couldn't capitalize. Alex Semin and John Carlson both missed wide open nets that could of tied the contest.Finally in the last minute of the game new center Jason Arnott found Brooks laich with a beautiful pass tying the game. What a debut play for Arnott! The Verizon Center suddenly had a new atmosphere leading into over time.
Alex Ovechkin and Nick Backstrom were the third forward pairing to take the ice in extra time and would be the last. The next play would be the decider for the Capitals. Ovi took the puck, undressed two defenders and beat the Isalnder goalie on a backhand for and epic Oviesque ending to the game. The real Ovi is back and here to stay. It was by far his best goal of the year. With that goal he now leads the NHL with 9 game winning goals. He also picked up he 300th career assist on the Arnott goal.
The Caps out shot the Islanders 40 to 29 in this contest. Neuvy played another stellar game saving 28 of the 29 shots. All three of the new Caps got plenty of playing time and will only get better over time.The Capitals play the St. Louis Blues on Thursday at home in their next game. I personally cannot wait for this newly assembled team to start playing like a Stanley Cup contender that they are. The puck drops at 7. Rock the Red!
Player of the Game: Alex Ovechkin (1 goal, 1 assist)
Stat of the Game: 28 saves and 1 GAA (Michal Neuvirth)
Unsung Hero: Jason Arnott
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