The Washington Capitals were able to solve a problem they have had all season, by defeating the Blue Jackets. Can they now solve another problem in the Hurricanes?
The Washington Capitals took on their biggest nemesis in recent history, the Columbus Blue Jackets.
For the first time in over a year the Capitals managed to figure out how to defeat the Blue Jackets, as the Capitals won in OT 2-1.
This marks the first time they have won against the Blue Jackets since December 8th of last year.
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This game from the get go was going to be a playoff atmosphere, especially given the history between these two. It delivered in every way, both teams were creating scoring chances and finding a wall at the goal.
Both goalies were playing determined and focused all night. If not for a great tic-tac-toe play with an odd man rush Samsonov very well might have had a shutout, but it gave Jakob Lilja his first career NHL goal.
Same can be said for Korpisalo too, who has had the Capitals number over the season. The Capitals managed to break through on an incredible pass from Panik to Hagelin, good for Hagelin’s first goal of the year.
This scoring would keep it knotted until in overtime where TJ Oshie would put home a rebound from a Nicklas Backstrom shot. That outcome might not have even presented itself if it wasn’t for the Capitals getting a power play to get the extra skater. Now that the Capitals figured out a way to come out victorious over the Blue Jackets, they turn their attention to another team who has given them fits since last year in the Hurricanes.
This will be the first meeting between the Capitals and Hurricanes since the third game of the season. In that contest it took overtime for the Hurricanes to defeat the Capitals, but that didn’t make the Caps faithful anymore hopeful against the Hurricanes since they also knocked them out of the playoffs last year. Since their last meeting the Capitals have found their way to the top of the Metropolitan while the Hurricanes have been streaky leaving them in 5th in the division.
Their recent results differ as the Capitals have gone 3-2 over their last five while the Hurricanes have gone 2-3. The last three games for each is where it really differs as the Capitals have taken two out of three while the Hurricanes are currently on a three game losing streak.
Since this is a second of a back to back schedule, look for the Capitals to depend on Holtby in goal after Samsonov took on the Jackets. The Capitals will most likely be without Kempny again as he was out with an illness for Friday nights game. There will be a few others slightly banged up after last nights game as both Kuznetsov and Wilson got hobbled slightly from knee to knee contacts. Also Gudas will most likely be out as he is still listed as day-to day. This is a stark difference to the roster health for the Hurricanes who are fully healthy right now.
The Capitals will need to find better production on their offense and early. In their previous game this season they managed to do that but couldn’t hold the lead, so they will also have to focus on securing the lead and not letting off the pedal. Hopefully Braden Holtby will find the win column after having an extended rest period. Again this will most likely end up being a playoff style atmosphere with their recent struggles against the Hurricanes. Look for some big hits and fast action all over the ice.
Here is how to follow the action:
Date: Dec. 28th
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Where: PNC Arena
TV Broadcast: NBC Sports Washington
Radio: WJFK 106.7 The Fan, Caps Radio 24/7
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