Caps Get A Must Win
The Washington Capitals have put themselves in a situation where nearly every game is absolutely crucial. Tonight was a huge must for the Caps, playing Southeast Division leader Winnipeg on the road. The Caps got the big road win led by two first period tallies.
Troy Brouwer started the Caps off scoring at just over 3 minutes to start the game to give the Caps an early 1-0 lead. It was Brouwer's 11th goal ofmthe season. Brooks Laich added the helper. Marcus Johansson added Washington's second goal, his 4th of the season. The Johansson tally came at the 16:22 mark and was assisted by Alex Ovechkin. Caps outshot the Jets 10-8 in the first period.
Caps and Jets skated to a scoreless second period. Shots on net were low, with Winnipeg out shooting the Caps just 4-3.
The Caps got the first insurance tally with 5:54 left in the game with a power play goal by Ovechkin. Ovechkin's 13th goal, of the season was beautifully fed by Nicklas Backstrom across ice. It was Ovi's 9th power play goal. He finished the night with adhere point night, recording a goal and two assists. Ovi paid the favor back at the 1:38 mark, feeding Backstrom for his 4th goal of the season to give the Caps the 4-0 lead, which is where the final score ended.
The win improves Braden Holty to 11-10 on the season. With the blanking of the Jets, Holtby recorded his 4th shut out of the season and a back to back shutout.
The win improves the Caps to 13-16-1 with 27 points and into a third place tie with Tampa Bay in the Southeast. The win also pulls the Caps to within 7 points of the Jets.
