The Chicago Blackhawks have won the Stanley Cup twice over the last four seasons (2012-13 and 2014-15). They are always at the top of the league. And they feature three of the best players in the league: Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Duncan Keith. That’s why when you beat the Hawks, it’s a big deal.
That’s why Friday’s result was such a surprise. The Caps, using their blistering team speed in the neutral zone, put up a touchdown against the Central Division’s best team.
Let’s review all the goals.
Goal 1 – Jay Beagle
#Beaglemania is really a thing against the Hawks. #CapsHawks on @csnma pic.twitter.com/T5ykmQ6eco
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 14, 2017
Jay Beagle started the scoring 6:04 into the first period after some great work by the fourth line. Beags’ squeaked a shot through Corey Crawford’s five hole. Joshua’s sign made it happen!
Goal 2 – Nicklas Backstrom
…13 seconds later #CapsHawks on @csnma pic.twitter.com/gkII4Utw3c
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 14, 2017
13 seconds later, Nicklas Backstrom tallied after some fantastic passing by Alex Ovechkin and TJ Oshie. Backstrom’s tally gave the Caps their fastest back-to-back goals this season in the first period. Backstrom has scored a goal in three straight games (3g, 4a) and earned a point in five straight (3g, 7a). Meanwhile, Ovechkin’s assist extended his point streak to three games (1/9-1/13: 3g, 3a). Ovi has earned 13 points in his last 11 games.
Goal 3 – Brett Connolly
A+ wall-play from @andreburakovsky to create this @bconnolly8 tally. #CapsHawks on @csnma pic.twitter.com/tuV7I2DM3X
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 14, 2017
The Caps’ third goal of the night happened because of some tenacious forechecking by Andre Burakovsky and a fortunate bounce. Brett Connolly potted the loose biscuit. Connolly’s scored in two of his last three games (1/9-1/13: 2g) while Lars Eller has earned a point in two straight games (1/11-1/13: 1g, 1a).
Goal 4 – Tom Wilson
Brilliant passing #CapsHawks on @csnma pic.twitter.com/Cl1coK8ngs
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 14, 2017
The rout was officially on when Willy Baby put the Caps up 4-0. The goal was all made possible by a stunning, as-he-was-falling-down pass by Nate Schmidt. The goal would mark Wilson’s eighth-career multi-point game.
Goal 5 – TJ Oshie
this many goals #CapsHawks pic.twitter.com/E3CeZROGmG
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 14, 2017
TJ Oshie made it 5-0 after an unbelievable carry-in by Nate Schmidt. Backstrom took Nate’s pass and hit Oshie, who took care of the rest.
Goal 6 – Jay Beagle
Finally, Beags closed the scoring after pounding home a rebound off a booming John Carlson slap shot from the point.
Combined with Braden Holtby’s sublime goaltending, the Caps were an unbeatable team tonight.
Full Coverage of Caps vs Blackhawks
Headline photo: Patrick McDermott
