More Takeaways
- Washington scored both their goals 19 seconds apart in the second period on not one, but two 5-on-3 power plays. Blidh was called for tripping, then picked up a roughing penalty after the whistle to give the Caps a four-minute power play. Near the end of the first power play, Jakub Zboril was called for interference. Alex Ovechkin scored four seconds into the first 5-on-3, then T.J. Oshie scored on the second 5-on-3.
- Despite the two Washington power play goals, the Bruins PK showed why they were are the top-ranked unit in the league. They fought their way through six consecutive penalties between the first and second periods to maintain their lead. With the talent the Caps can put out on the power play, things could have been a whole lot worse.
- Despite a power play goal from Craig Smith with 3:05 left in the game for a two-goal lead, the Bruins PP was pretty much ineffective all night. Not a lot of shots on Samsonov, who appeared to be fighting the puck all night and not a lot of good zone entries. The PP units have seen better nights.
- Speaking of Smith, he picked up his third goal in his 10 games to go along with seven assists. Averaging a point a game in the last 10, he has adjusted well to the first line with Marchand and Patrice Bergeron.
Overall, it was a solid 60 minutes of hockey from the Black and Gold, especially their rookie goalie to gain ground in the playoff race in the East Division.