Two former Capitals figured big in the 2018 Winter Classic – the tenth anniversary of the annual outdoor game.
At the New York Mets’ Citi Field, former Capital and Hershey Bears forward Paul Carey scored the first goal of the game 4:09 into the first period. Later, Kevin Shattenkirk helped win the game for the Rangers in overtime.
Paul Carey goal
👀 Paul Carey score the first 🚨 of 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣8️⃣ to give #NYR the 1-0 lead! #WinterClassic #NYRClassic pic.twitter.com/iRIuVKGvYc
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 1, 2018
Carey spent the last two seasons in the Capitals organization, scoring 37 goals in 99 games for the AHL Hershey Bears. the forward also played 10 games with the Capitals. During his time in DC, Carey showed off his NHL-quality speed. Over the offseason, the forward signed a one-year $650k contract with the Rangers that included an expensive $400k guarantee at the AHL level.
Instead, the 29-year-old Boston native made the Rangers out of training camp and has himself a good season (five goals, four assists).
Monday, in his 27th game of the season (a NHL career high), Carey scored his first career outdoor game goal after going five hole on Robin Lehner.
Carey was pumped as he skated to the bench.
He has three goals in his last six games.
Paul Carey scored the first goal of the 2018 Bridgestone NHL #WinterClassic, his fifth of the season and first since a two-goal outing on Dec. 19. pic.twitter.com/OgpbJexqKF
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) January 1, 2018
Kevin Shattenkirk OT assist
What does it feel like to score the game-winning goal in the @Bridgestone NHL #WinterClassic? Let J.T. Miller's reaction provide the answer. pic.twitter.com/4kiVWB52rG
— NHL (@NHL) January 1, 2018
Meanwhile, Kevin Shattenkirk, the Capitals controversial trade deadline acquisition from last season, earned the game-winning overtime assist during a Rangers four-on-three powerplay.
After rifling a shot on net that was stopped initially by a screened Robin Lehner, JT Miller slammed home the rebound.
The goal lifted the Rangers to a 3-2 win. Shattenkirk had three shots in 18:11 of ice time.
Now let us pray the precious faces of our former Caps didn’t melt off in the goal celebration.
🔥 Unreal 🔥#WinterClassic pic.twitter.com/miutQ350AI
— NHL (@NHL) January 1, 2018
