Caps fall to Blackhawks in opener
By Matthew Laux
The Washington Capitals took the ice Tuesday night for their season opener against the defending Stanley Cup champion, Chicago Blackhawks. Chicago, who celebrated the raising of their Stanley cup banner, displayed to the National Hockey League why they dominated their way to the cup a year ago.
Mikhail Grabovski (Above) notched his first career hat trick in Tuesday’s loss.
The Hawks used their adrenaline to the best of their advantage by jumping out to a quick 1-0 lead. The Blackhawks weren’t the only trophy winners on the ice, and Alex Ovechkin made sure they knew it, as he helped Washington find its footing on a power play goal. Chicago Star Patrick Kane scored shortly after Ovechkin, and put the Blackhawks up once again.
In the second period, Washington knotted the score at two on a goal from rookie Mikhail Grabovski. This was the first of three goals for Grabovki, who tallied his first career hat trick. Chicago wrestled the lead away from the Capitals on a power play goal from Brent Seabrook, and Washington headed in to the decisive period down a tally.
Grabovski and the Caps came out firing in the third period as Washington seized a 4-3 advantage. This, however, would be the first and last lead the Capitals would own as the Blackhawks ripped off three consecutive goals to grab a 6-4 victory.
Despite the loss, Washington’s efforts were valiant, and they proved their offense could score with the best the NHL has to offer. Washington has 81 games remaining in the season, and will have their home opener October 3rd against the Calgary Flames. Rock the Red!