Postgame Recap: Caps 4 Wild 3

 The Caps played a solid road game on Thursday night as they were able to take down the struggling Wild. Despite horrible officiating which I will say was both ways, the Caps were able to find a way to win their 5th game in a row.

My Thoughts:

*Alex Ovechkin scored his 14th career hat trick scoring 3 goals in the second period. It was his first hat trick since he scored 4 goals against the Lightning back in 2013.

*Nick Backstrom assisted on all 3 of OV's goals for another 3 assist night for the Swede.The top line had it going last night that is for sure, as T.J Oshie also picked up an assist.

*The Caps had 3-1 lead going into the third period but a bad call gave the Wild a power play which lead to Ryan Suter cutting the lead to 3-2. The penalty came after Andre Burakovsky was clearly cross checked in the back, instead they call Justin Williams for protecting his teammate.

*Evgeny Kuznetsov left the game early last night as after all that he was hit in the face by a butt end of a stick. Even though someone mentioned it was not a penalty, and refs thought so too. The rule clear states that even if it is not intentional you are responsible for your stick. Hopefully Kuzy is okay, he will be evaluated today.

*Jason Chimera would scored his 15th goal of the season with a empty net with about 0:52 to go in the game to make it 4-2, this happened after the Caps were able to block a shot and Tom Wilson was able to chip it ahead to Chimera who was one on one with just the net.

*Late in the game the Wild scored with about 0:04 left but if you look at the replay Zach Parise fell in to Braden Holtby which didn't allow Holts to extend his pad any further that it did. The play would be reviewed and the goal would stand.

*Mike Richards did end up in the lineup last night and I thought he played well. The 4th line seems to be gaining some traction lately. Hopefully that continues to be the case.

*Overall it is win #5 in a row for the Caps, and they are 2-0-0 on this short Western Conference road trip. Last night the Caps again had a one goal game but seem to be very comfortable in them, that will be a good thing come April and May. Another two points on the road as they move on to the Lone Star State.


What's Next: Sat. Feb. 13th at. Dallas 8:00 p.m on CSN