Breaking down Joe Snively’s surreal debut

Although the Washington Capitals blew a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to the Los Angeles Kings, there was a silver lining from this game. Not only did local forward Joe Snively make his NHL debut but he also recorded his first NHL point with an assist on the game’s first goal which went to Connor McMichael. His family was in the stands and they were elated to see their son make that big of an impact just 7:58 minutes in.

Snively and McMichael worked the puck passing it back and fourth when the Caps entered the zone. Snively settled behind the net before setting up McMichael up in front for the goal which was Connor’s fourth of the season.

T.J. Oshie being out due to COVID protocol opened the door for Snively to make his NHL debut. He had 6:53 minutes of ice time, and had two shots and a hit while on the third line with Connor McMichael and Beck Malenstyn.

Snively grew up in Herndon, VA about 25 miles from Capital One Arena and played his youth hockey with the Little Caps. Before the game, he got the full rookie treatment with the solo lap around the ice before the rest of the team came out. There’s been aplenty this season with the team dealing with injuries and COVID issues all season. He’s the first athlete to suit up for the Caps that was born in the state of Virginia.

He played his youth hockey at SkateQuest in Reston, VA and MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington. He even grew up a Caps fan and had a moment with Alex Ovechkin where he signed his hockey gloves as they both went to the same dentist.

The 25 year old had that assist on just his third shift of the game and it was a primary too. He was credited for the lone assist on that play. Snively told the media in his postgame interview that he felt the jitters before the game but settled right in after he recorded his first NHL point.

Snively also talked about the importance his NHL debut had for youth hockey players throughout the DMV:

"“I came from this area and I made it. So they can, too. I’m just trying to set an example for them.”"

The Capitals take on the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday night on the road.