Photo: Monumental Sports Entertainment
The Capitals opened the 2016-2017 season with an away game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday, October 13 followed by their home opener, where the Capitals walked the red carpet and visited with their fans as they entered the Verizon Center in preparation for their game against the New York Islanders, on Saturday, October 15.
Outcome and Points
| Game | Date | Score | Points | |
| 1 | 10/13/2016 | Pittsburgh 3 – Washington 2 (Shoot Out) | 1 | |
| 2 | 10/15/2016 | Washington 2 – New York Islanders 1 | 2 |
Capitals Goals
10/13/2016 Washington Capitals at the Pittsburgh Penguins
Andre Burakovsky (1) – Assists from Nicklas Backstrom (1), Marcus Johansson (1)
Andre Burakovsky (2) – Assists from Nicklas Backstrom (2), Matt Niskanen (1)
10/15/2016 NY Islanders at the Washington Capitals
Daniel Winnik (1) – Assists from John Carlson (1), Jay Beagle (1)
Daniel Winnik (2) – Assists from Karl Alzner (1), Brooks Orpik (1)
Point Leaders
Andre Burakovsky – 2 (2 goals)
Daniel Winnik – 2 (2 goals)
Nicklas Backstrom – 2 (2 assists)
Overall
The Capitals were able to gain three out of four possible points in the two games they played this past week. The first game, a shootout loss against Pittsburgh, was a great game for the “Tre Kroner” line in general, and specifically for Andre Burakovsky, who scored both of the Caps’ goals. Nicklas Backstrom had assists on both of Burakovsky’s goals.
#Caps players Zach Sanford, Matt Niskanen, Marcus Johansson, Andre Burakovsky and Braden Holtby talk after a 3-2 SO/loss in #CapsPens. pic.twitter.com/j0DPYT4Xgu
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 14, 2016
The second game, the Capitals’ home opener, resulted in a win against the New York Islanders. Capitals fans welcomed back and paid tribute to Jason Chimera. The game was a great showing for our fourth line, with Daniel Winnik scoring both goals.
#CapsIsles recap: Daniel Winnik Shines in the Washington #Capitals Home Opener Against NY Islanders https://t.co/K50AzlFo0w pic.twitter.com/ArWzezWsYd
— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) October 16, 2016
The other assists of the two games were earned by defensemen, Matt Niskanen, Karl Alzner, and John Carlson, and forwards, Marcus Johansson and Jay Beagle.
It was a good week for starting goalie and defending Vezina Trophy winner, Braden Holtby, as he saved 28 out of 30 shots against Pittsburgh and 21 out of 22 shots against New York for an overall save percentage of .942.
It was a down week for the Caps’ power play who scored zero goals out of eight opportunities for the week. In contrast, both Pittsburgh and New York scored one power play goal in two opportunities against the Caps.
The Week Ahead
The Capitals play their next game at home against the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday October 18. The Washington Capitals will hold a pre-game ceremony to honor Braden Holtby’s historic 2015-16 season.
#CapsAvs Game Preview: Avalanche @ #Capitals Tuesday night is Holtby night. https://t.co/sbscZU4C4W pic.twitter.com/nnmZGZJ4DY
— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) October 17, 2016
After that, they go on the road to play the Florida Panthers on Thursday, October 20 at 7:30. They return home to Verizon Center to play the New York Rangers on Saturday October 22. Click here for the Caps’ full season schedule.
Links to Detailed NoVa Caps’ Game Recaps
Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins
NY Islanders at Washington Capitals
By Diane Doyle
