This effort wasn’t as tidy as the Buffalo game. They were not as strong defensively and there was more ugly penalty killing as they gave up a pair to a less than stellar Lightning power play. Having said that they killed off an extended sequence of 4 on 3 including a extended sequence where a stickless Backstrom blocked three hard shots from point blank range causing the squeamish to avert their eyes in anticipation of certain bloodshed.
People may not regard DC as a hockey town but the fans are knowledgeable and know to show their appreciation for this kind of effort and sacrifice and Nick got a standing ovation when got to the bench.
For the second game they failed to convert on a number of odd-man rushes and breakaways – including OV on a clean breakaway. The Olympic players do not yet seem to be on their game.
Bradley and Steckel sat to make room for the new acquisitions which turned out nice as Walker scored two in the third including the game winner. But Boudreau has to know that he’s playing with fire right now and he’s probably secretly hoping that some of the inevitable injuries happen sooner rather than later to take some tough decisions out of his hands.
There is no more popular player in the building than Matt Bradley (except you-know-who) - who has given everything there is to give for the team, including no small amount of blood. Fans and teammates will not take warmly to the idea of Brads sitting for extended periods.
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Standings:
League: +3 Conference: +14 Division: +28 (not a typo)
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