Photo: Geoff Burke
As Peter pointed out in the recap, Caps defenseman Matt Niskanen hadn’t scored since the first week of the season, a span of 115 days and 47 games. Sunday against the Flyers, Niskanen scored the game-winning goal.
It was random.
As Niskanen drove the lane, watch as he dekes back-and-forth past four Flyer defenders before lifting the puck past a helpless Steve Mason.
What a celebration.
Naturally, after the game, Nisky’s teammates endlessly chirped him.
Such as Niskanen’s defense partner, Karl Alzner, who compared the goal to another famous one that happened this week.
Karl Alzner said he saw the Matt Niskanen goal a couple of days ago when Connor McDavid did it.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) February 7, 2016
Did Alzner think the Flyers could have prepared for those moves?
When asked if he thought the Flyers were surprised by Matt Niskanen's goal, Karl Alzner quipped: "I don't think that was in the pre-scout."
— Katie Brown (@katiebhockey) February 7, 2016
Niskanen’s tally reminded Alex Ovechkin of one of the greatest offensive defensemen of all-time.
Ovechkin on Niskanen's goal: "It’s like back to the ‘70s, you know? Bobby Orr, all those guys."
— Katie Brown (@katiebhockey) February 7, 2016
Alex Ovechkin on Niskanen's goal: "I think the whole building was surprised."
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) February 7, 2016
It made Barry Trotz want to curse.
Trotz on Niskanen's goal: "“Holy…It’s a Sunday. I can’t say it. That’s really what I’m thinking."
— Katie Brown (@katiebhockey) February 7, 2016
Meanwhile, Niskanen also made sure to make fun of himself.
Niskanen: 'I really wanted to pass that puck to someone. Either my vision’s getting worse or I couldn’t see anybody open.' #CapitalsTalk
— Chuck Gormley (@CharlesAGormley) February 7, 2016
Matt Niskanen on his breakaway: "I don't have any moves. It was an accident."
— Katie Brown (@katiebhockey) February 7, 2016
