Vasy and “Klutcherov” Magic Help Bolts Top Washington 4-2

By Tyler Santana

Overview

The Bolts came into this game after a loss to the Devils looking to beat the Capitals in Washington to get back on track. They came out blazing, scoring a goal less than 3 minutes into the game to take the lead. From there they struck 2 more times in the first period to take a 3-0 lead into intermission. They’d play a very good 2^nd period, only giving up one goal on a good PP shot from Eller to maintain a multi-goal lead heading to the 3^rd. The Bolts gave up another halfway into the 3^rd on a goal from Alex Ovechkin to make it 3-2, but Nikita Kucherov pulled a “Klutcherov” on his breakaway to slide it through Brayden Holtby’s 5-hole to make it 4-2, and that is how the game would end.

1^st Period

The Lightning got to the powerplay early, as Brett Connolly hit Dan Girardi to give the Bolts an interference call. On the powerplay, Brayden Point buried a pass from Ryan Callahan to give Tampa an early 1-0 lead. The Capitals didn’t let the Bolts get much going in the immediate aftermath of the goal, but the Bolts were eventually able to get more cycling in the offensive zone. The Bolts and Caps would trade back and forth chances, but Andrei Vasilevskiy and Brayden Holtby swatted the pucks away like flys. The Bolts were pushing the envelope, skating fast and making the Caps Defensemen drop back in fear of getting beat on a pinch. Exactly 16:00 minutes into the first, Chris Kunitz tipped an Andrej Sustr slap shot over the shoulder of Holtby to make it 2-0. 17:52 into the period, Brayden Point slides around the Capitals and tucked a backhand shot by Holtby to give the Bolts a 3-0 lead.  The period would end as such.

Shots 8-8

Goals 3-0

2^nd Period

The Bolts came out hard and with a shoot first mentality. However, Alex Ovechkin also came out ready to bury one. He had a breakaway from the blue line in before Victor Hedman made a great play with his stick to knock the puck free. Ovechkin then made a beautiful curl and drag to dance around the defense but couldn’t lift it over Vasilevskiy. The Caps would get their powerplay chance and wouldn’t miss the opportunity as Lars Eller blasted one past Vasilevskiy to make it a 3-1 game. The Bolts didn’t let it get into their heads though, as they continued to keep the puck in the offensive zone and wouldn’t let the Caps build momentum. Vasilevskiy was sharp, stopping a lot of dangerous chances while the defense threw bodies down in front of every shot they could to keep puck from reaching their netminder. The period would close 3-1 with the Bolts playing very well.

Shots 22-13 Capitals

Goals 3-1 Tampa

3^rd Period

Right off the bat the Caps got a dangerous tip from Alex Ovechkin, but Vasilevskiy closed the wickets to keep the puck out. From there the Bolts best defense was their offense forechecking hard and getting shots to keep Washington 200 ft. away from their net. Callahan was called for a trip on Ovechkin that wasn’t the strongest call, but the Bolts did a great job (and got a little luck) killing the penalty and not letting Washington take momentum. Tampa did good in this game to use their offensive skill to keep a light load on the defense. When pucks did get to the defensive zone, the Bolts were swarming the puck carrier and Vasilevskiy swallowed pucks like a big purple Grimer (it’s a Pokémon, check him out). However, when you give 9 shots to the NHLs leading goal man, he’s going to make you pay as Alex Ovechkin ripped one past Vasilevskiy that I know Vasy would want another chance at. Tampa has a Russian too. He’s number 3 in goals, and we’re pretty sure he leads the league in breakaway goals in which you don’t shoot as he pulled his no shot move, the “Klutcherov” and slid it past an irate Brayden Hotlby. It nearly turned into a Russian party as Ovechkin danced in front with more beautiful moves, but the backhand shot went wide. Tampa would then get a powerplay with 2:19 left in the game, and they’d lock it down to secure a 4-2 victory.

Shots 37-19 Capitals

Bolts win 4-2

3 Stars

1^st Star: Brayden Point (2G)

2^nd Star: Ryan Callahan (2A)

3^rd Star: Andrei Vasilevskiy (35SV)

Up Next

Tampa travels to Ottawa to take on the Senators on Thursday the 22^nd, with puck drop coming at 7:30 ET time.