NHL Updates – Washington Capitals just 2 points behind the leaders after a 3-1 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins hosted the Washington Capitals to write another chapter in the history books of the two long time rivals. The match was played at the Bridgestone Arena with around 68,000 fans coming to witness this winter classic encounter. This was
the 40th game for both the sides and a win would benefit each team in their hunt for the top spot. Semyon Varlamov, goalie of the Washington Capitals came up with a brilliant performance making 32 saves and was named the star selection of the match.
The match started on a high for both the sides with an attacking mentality as expected. Neither of the team backed and waited for chances to come their way. They attacked right from the word go and made chances for themselves.
There were shots from everywhere on the pitch and some superb pieces of play were observed as they player combined together. The puck was seen going to and fro with goalkeeper making saves. It was almost certain that a goal was coming our way but it was
not to be as the period ended goalless despite so many goal attempts.
During the course of the period, Washington Capitals made 16 goal attempts while Pittsburgh Penguins made 16 goal attempts.
Pittsburgh Penguins was quick out of the blocks in the second period and managed to score in the 3rd minute through Evgeni Malkin from a flick shot to take the lead. The home fans went wild after the goal.
However, this joy didn’t last long as Washington Capitals scored in the 7th minute to level the scores. The goal was scored by Mike Knuble from a decent flick shot. Washington Capitals was definitely the stronger of the two teams after scoring
the goal and with strong offence, Washington scored once again in the 15th minute to take the lead.
The goal was scored by Eric Fehr from a quick fired strike that caught the goal keeper by surprise. The period ended with Washington Capitals leading 2-1 as they made 16 goal attempts in the period while Pittsburgh Penguins made 8 goal attempts.
There wasn’t much to talk about in the final period as it was a defence dominated period. During the period, Washington made 4 goal attempts while Pittsburgh made 9 goal attempts. But importantly for Washington Capitals, they scored the all important winning
goal in the 15th minute through Eric Fehr to win the match 3-1.
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