Capitals vs Canadians: Will there be Rust, or enough Rest to win?
By David Trice
The Washington Capitals open the post All-Star slate against the Montreal Canadians, in Montreal following a week long break. Will they have developed some rust or will they be well rested?
Both teams come into the contest streaking, the Washington Capitals have won their last three games before the break.
While the Canadians are riding a two game winning streak of their own.
The question or rust versus rest apply to both teams as neither has played since the 18th.
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This will mark their first game against each other since November 15th, where the Canadians defeated the Washington Capitals at home in Capitals One Arena 5-2. The game appeared to be a even match with no goals or penalties being called in the entire first period.
But in the second period the Canadians really broke loose with a four goal outburst with contributions coming from all over the roster. This was the biggest blow to Ilya Samsonov‘s season to this point, with his only other loss coming at the expense of allowing only two goals.
The Washington Capitals were on their way to a blowout by goose egg until they caught a break in the third period where a penalty was called and allowed their power play unit to finally go to work.
Of course, none other than Alex Ovechkin provided the first score. What could have become a nice comeback story failed though as the Capitals wouldn’t score again until there was less than 5 minutes in the game where Kuznetzsov brought to within two scores. But the final nail was driven in with an empty net score with less than three minutes remaining.
This game would serve as a learning experience for Samsonov as he would follow this performance up with a record of 10-1 since this loss, with the only other loss coming against the Bruins coming on in relief of Braden Holtby. Unfortunately for the Washington Capitals they will need to try and avenge this lopsided defeat without the services of Alex Ovechkin as he will be serving a game for sitting out the All-Star festivities.
Hopefully the Capitals will return well rested and ready to get rolling again, and not show signs of rust in the process. With Braden Holtby participating in the All-Star game and it being since the 16th that Samsonov got the start against the New Jersey Devils, expect Samsonov to get an opportunity to redeem himself against the Canadians.
But this will require the secondary scoring team to step up in Ovechkins absence, especially considering the run he has been on of late. If you are keeping tabs Ovechkin currently sits tied for 9th all time with Steve Yzerman with 692 goals. He will have to wait until Wednesday on home ice against the Predators to extend his place in history.
Next. Ovechkin's Road to 700. dark
If you want to follow tonight’s action, here is how to do that:
Date: Monday January 27
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Centre Bell
TV Broadcast: NBC Sports Washington
Radio: 106.7 The Fan, Caps Radio 24/7
Live Streaming: ESPN+ has a free 7-day trial that includes live streaming for this game on all your smart devices! Besides NHL games, ESPN+ features a selection of live games from MLB, MLS, Serie A, FA Cup, and EFL. Get in on the action with Live UFC Fight Nights, 30+ Top Rank Boxing cards, Grand Slam tennis from Wimbledon, US Open and Australian Open.