Andre Burakovsky began the season on the top line with Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie, but has struggled ever since. Trotz needed to make a change to his lineup. He chose to switch things up during Thursday’s practice, as Tom Wilson was moved to the top line while Burakovsky went down to the third line. After last night’s game, it looks like the move won’t create any bro drama anytime soon.
Burakovsky scored the first Capitals goal of the game and his first goal of the season late in the second period to tie the game at one.
Burkie snipes his first of the season. #CapsWings pic.twitter.com/cT8pZuTEfH
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 21, 2017
The Capitals would go on to rally from a 3-2 deficit to win in overtime 4-3 on a game-tying goal by Oshie (primary assist by Burakovsky) and a game-winner by Alex Ovechkin.
Applying “Inspiration”
Last season, Burakovsky scored the first two goals of the Capitals season but couldn’t score again until December. The trick that got him to score at the time was a seat in the press box for three straight games. In his first game back, he scored in Philadelphia.
This time around it was a line demotion. But it seems like Burakovsky has done well on the third line and has had good chemistry with Brett Connolly and Lars Eller. So in the grand scheme of things, it might’ve actually been a promotion.
The Caps look to make it two in a row tonight as they welcome the Florida Panthers to Capital One Arena for a 7 p.m. puck drop.
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
Was glad he got his first goal. He told Tarik El-Bashir during the second intermission interview that everything in the NHL is about confidence. Hopefully this tally propels him into a scoring streak!
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