Photo: Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images

Tonight we introduce a new, semi-regular feature here at NoVa Caps, “What a rush!”, because everybody loves a good rush. The feature will select a favorite Capitals line rush from each game and attempt to shed a little more light on the play. So, without further ado, here is our favorite line rush from the Capitals 3-2 win over the Maple Leafs in Toronto Thursday night.

This was a beauty, and short-handed to boot. Lars Eller collected the puck near the faceoff dot and immediately turned and burned. Four of the Maple Leafs were caught below the play, giving the Capitals a 2-on-2 for nearly the three-quarters of the length of the ice. Also noteworthy is Brooks Orpik’s early box-out at the start of the play.

Eller made a perfect pass to Tom Wilson, who hustled the entire length of the ice, as soon as Eller gained control of the puck. Wilson was able to gain ground on Andreas Johnsson, and find separation for the Eller centering pass. Wilson finished the play with a nifty snipe from the middle of the slot, going high blocker side, registering another tally in his hometown.

Andreas Johnsson, who tried to chase down Wilson on the play, was asked about it after the game. “I gave my everything and he was faster and I don’t know, I mean, maybe I should’ve taken a penalty there instead of giving a chance …”

The call from John Walton on Caps Radio:

What was your favorite line rush of the game?

By Jon Sorensen