The Capitals played their best game as a team so far this season. In a tight game against Carolina, the Caps were able to get the early goal and play hard nosed hockey for the win. Micheal Nuevirth, who has appeared in net for every game this season, stopped 29 shots for his NHL shutout. The young goal tender was exceptional all night long, especially with a glove save on a one-timer from Canes' star Eric Staal in the second period. The Caps were much more focused on the forecheck and the first goal resulted from that applied pressure. Matt Hendricks stashed the eventual game-winner off a nice pass from David Steckel. Steckel had tangled with the Canes goalie following a point shot from John Erskine. The ref ruled there was no interference since the goalie was outside of the crease area. The Caps looked like a different team once they got the lead. You could see the confidence grow as the game went on. Now they must turn around quickly as they head to Minnesota to take on the Wild tonight.
Of Note:
- Michael Nuevirth Was the #1 star of the game with his first career shutout. He became the 23rd goalie in Capitals history to record a shutout.
- The Caps killed off all 5 Carolina power plays. The team has killed 36 of the 40 power plays they have faced this season.
- Nicklas Backstrom put the icing on the cake with 2 goals in the third period. The first was a put back of a Mike Knuble shot shot from the wing and the second was an empty net, shorthanded goal. It was the first shorty in Backstrom's career.
- The Caps dominated the face-off dot winning 41 of 59 draws. David Steckel led the way winning 13 and losing 4.
- Jeff Schultz was +2.
- Matt Bradley and Mike Green returned to the active lineup. Green was on power play duty only last game. Bradley led the Caps with 5 hits and Green led the team with 3 blocked shots.
Official Recap
Game Summary
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