Boston Bruins limit Washington Capitals to only 17 shots for 1-0 shutout -NHL Playoffs Update
There was no doubt that rookie Washington goalie, Braden Holtby, had an amazing game as he managed to block 29 shots but the Boston defence was just too much for Capitals to handle, minimising their attempts to 17 as Bruins won game-one of the 2012 National
Hockey League (NHL) playoff quarterfinals, Thursday night, April 12.
"Obviously he's a very capable goalie," Boston’s Chris Kelly said. "[Holtby] played a good game tonight, and I think that it's one of those things that, it's hockey. He's out there doing his job, just like everyone else, and you've got to stay focused and
work through those things.
The sold-out TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, was on their feet throughout as Boston played spectacular defence by minimising the chances that Washington had. Capitals certainly did let down their young goalie filling in for both regulars, who are out
with various injuries.
It was tied at 0-0 at the end of regulation and in the playoffs, which means continuous overtime until a deciding goal is made by either team.
Chris Kelly decided to end it early in the first overtime competition of the Eastern Conference series with a goal only 1:18 into the post-regulation extension.
"I had a good feeling that it was going to go in, and I had a good feeling about the guy who had the puck," said Boston Bruins veteran goalie and Vezina Trophy winner, Tim Thomas. "I could tell he had something tonight. He'd been winging a few past me in
practice the past few days."
Kelly attempted at making a fierce shot that went in the net after nearly being blocked. Holtby’s glove missed the puck by just an inch and unfortunately, it turned out to be the game-winner for Boston.
For Washington, this game was more of a testing phase for their goalie and now they know how well he can perform under such stressful situations, Capitals will be more focused offensively in their next game.
"The next game will be different," Washington captain, Alex Ovechkin, said.
Game-two of the Eastern Conference playoff quarterfinals series between Washington and Boston is scheduled for Saturday, April 14.
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