Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Following practice on Wednesday, the Capitals headed to Kansas City for the back-end of a home-and-home preseason series with the St. Louis Blues. This was Washington’s first appearance in Kansas City in over four decades. The last time the Capitals played there was on Feb. 7, 1976.
Caps lines:
Forwards:
Ovechkin-Kuznetsov-Oshie
Burakovsky-Backstrom-Williams
Galiev-Sanford-Connolly
Winnik-Beagle-Thomas
Defensive Pairs:
Alzner-Niskanen
Orpik-Carlson
Chorney-Schmidt
Goalies: Philipp Grubauer got the start in net for the Capitals. Braden Holtby was the backup.
The Caps got off to a fast start in the opening period as T.J. Oshie continued to haunt his former team. Evgeny Kuznetsov set up Oshie for a one-timer to put the visitors up 1-0 at the 2:48 mark. Oshie had a key shootout goal in a Capitals win over the Blues two nights prior in DC.
T.J. Oshie scores early in the 1st period of #CapsBlues in Kansas City. #CapsBlues #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/REHM9IO0Kf
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 6, 2016
Oshie nearly got his second goal of the game on an ensuing rush, but drew a penalty on St. Louis, to give the Caps their first power play of the night at 7:16. However, the Caps couldn’t convert on the man advantage. Vladimir Tarasenko tied the contest shortly after the penalty kill, at 11:05, on a shot from the right faceoff circle.
The Caps got the lead right back, just before heading to the dressing room for the first intermission. It came from the fourth line as Daniel Winnik set up Christian Thomas, who netted the one-timer for his first goal of the preseason at 16:34 to put Washington in front 2-1. The Caps outshot the Blues 8-5 in the opening frame.
Christian Thomas finishes a sublime Daniel Winnik feed to put the Caps up 2-1 in the 1st from Kansas City. #CapsBlues #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/Ua4eCo4neQ
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 6, 2016
The Caps extended their lead to 3-1 at 7:38 in the second on a tic-tac-toe goal. Jay Beagle found TJ Oshie for his second goal of the night. The Caps offensive snipers had a great second period as they outshot the Blues 13-5.
Oshie’s second of the game off a nifty (Kuzy-like) feed from Beags! #CapsBlues #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/6gtEMPHcHj
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 6, 2016
The Caps pushed their lead to 4-1 in the middle of the third period with Thomas’ second goal of the night from the slot. Winnik had the assist which was his second of the night. Beagle also assisted on the goal which was his third. The Blues added a goal by Magnus Paajarvi, but it wasn’t enough as the Caps hung on for a 4-2 win.
CAPS WIN. WE HOCKEY GOOD. #CapsBlues #NHLKC pic.twitter.com/3ksY04tuwI
— Angie (@riotnrrrd18) October 6, 2016
Barry Trotz spoke with the media following the game:
#Caps head coach Barry Trotz talks to the media after a 4-2 preseason win against the St. Louis Blues in Kansas City. #CapsBlues #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/aaXbGWW2WF
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 6, 2016
Post game locker room interviews:
Philipp Grubauer, Christian Thomas and Jay Beagle talk after a 4-2 preseason win against the Blues in Kansas City. #CapsBlues #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/FTxsZYma25
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 6, 2016
The Caps continue their road trip on Friday night with a contest against the Hurricanes in North Carolina.
By Michael Marzzacco
