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Excitement was running high Saturday night as the Washington Capitals returned to the Verizon Center for the 2016-2017 season home opener against the New York Islanders. The Capitals, last year’s Presidents’ Trophy winners, fell to their division nemesis, the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday, in a heart breaking shoot out. Both the Capitals and the Islanders were looking for their first win of the 2016-2017 season.

Capitals Starting Lines

The evening began with a “Walk the Red Carpet” event which allowed fans up close access to the players as they made their way into the Verizon Center. Wes Johnson served as the master of ceremonies, welcoming each player back to Verizon and the fans who love them.

First Period

Action started early in the first period with a slashing call on the Islanders three minutes into the game, but the Capitals were unsuccessful  in their bid to convert on the powerplay. After 11:52 minutes of play the Capitals finally got on the board after Daniel Winnik tipped in a slapshot from John Carlson. Jay Beagle had the second assist. This was Winnick’s first goal of the season and his third goal since he was acquired by the Capitals from the Maple Leafs in March 2016.

.@JohnCarlson74 mimics a brick wall then assists the @Danwinnik34 goal. Way to be Carly. #CapsIsles pic.twitter.com/W5ZtCZZ8KK

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 15, 2016

The Islanders answered with a score less than two minutes later on a power play. Initially, the score was credited to a wrister from Cal Clutterbuck, but closer review revealed that the puck nipped Brooks Orpik’s skate and was re-attributed to Ryan Strome.

Clutterbuck ties the game pic.twitter.com/Vs5vJAluTT

— Stephanie (@myregularface) October 15, 2016

During the television timeout at the eight-minute mark, the Capitals paid homage to former Capitals forward Jason Chimera aka “the Ice Cheetah” bringing fans to their feet. Chimera signed with the Islanders this summer after spending six seasons in Washington.

A message from #Caps to Jason Chimera who plays his first regular season game with the Islanders since leaving Washington. Thanks, Chimmer! pic.twitter.com/H8dfDqdez6

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 15, 2016

The evenly matched first period ended 1-1 with the Capitals leading 9-8 in shots on goal.

Second Period

The fourth line struck again when Daniel Winnik notched his second score of the night at 7:46 into the period, with assists from Brooks Orpik and Karl Alzner. This one was a beauty by Winnik.

🚨🚨 @Danwinnik34 is having a game! #CapsIsles on @csnma pic.twitter.com/BGShpVTO6l

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 16, 2016

Despite two power play opportunities, the Capitals maintained their 2-1 lead over the Islanders in an evenly played period. The Capitals managed 12 shots on goal this period and limited the Islanders to just 8.

Third Period

Four minutes into the period Andre Burakovsky, coming off a rush, and Travis Hamonic, mixed it up in the trapezoid, but no penalties were levied. The first penalty of the period came at the 13:51 mark, a tripping call against Islanders’ Mathew Barzal. However, the Capitals would once again be unable to capitalize. The Caps went 0-5 on the power play in this game, and are now 0-8 on the season.

The score remained 2-1 as the Capitals held on for their first win of the season. Daniel Winnik and the fourth line are the stars of the show.  It was Winnik’s 5th career 2-goal game.

By Stephanie Judge

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Home opener: 10/15/16

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