Washington Capitals impress with season opening victory over Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 in overtime-NHL
Washington Capitals made a comeback midway through their matchup against Carolina Hurricanes to eventually win their season opener at home, 4-3, after an overtime decider came into play on Saturday, October 8, 2011, at the sold-out Verizon Center in Washington,
District of Columbia, United States.
Capitals have not lost a season opener in the past decade and continued the tradition of not doing so by rallying in the second period to overcome and overpower Carolina and diverted the Hurricanes.
"It's like the first day on the job and going into the office", Washington head coach, Bruce Boudreau, said. "You're nervous, whether you're 20-year veterans on the job or a just brand new".
Washington and Carolina had 36-31 opportunities on their opposing nets respectively, and asking Capitals main goal, Michal Neuvirth, it certainly was not an easy task keeping all those shots out.
“It wasn’t an easy game to play”, Neuvirth said, “but I stayed positive the whole game. I believed that we could get the two points. It’s just such a great feeling that we start the season with a win”.
The first period was scoreless for both clubs while Hurricanes managed to kill off two penalties and Washington played off an added man advantage of their own as captain Alex Ovechkin was penalised for cross checking.
Carolina’s Eric Staal kicked off the scoring a little over midway through the second by scoring on Washington’s one of two given power plays, both which were committed by John Carlson, the first for tripping and the next for delaying the game.
Washington did not stay behind for long as Alexander Semin and Jason Chimera each added a goal of their own, nearly five minutes apart to make the tie-breaker and take the lead.
Eric Staal added another power play goal 18 seconds into the third period on a Carlson’s penalty which carried on into the final. Brooks Laich again took lead for Capitals on a power play while Jussi Jokinen brought Carolina to level with their opponents,
3-3, to force an overtime extension with less than two minutes remaining.
Mike Green rose to the occasion and scored on Jussi Jokinen’s penalty as Carolina was down a player to take the match.
Washington Capitals play their final game at home before taking off on Monday, October 10, against Tampa Bay Lightning while Carolina travels to New Jersey to pay Devils a visit the same day.
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