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Heading into today’s afternoon matinee against the Colorado Avalanche, the Capitals had more than just a major regulation win in Dallas against the Stars under their belts. The game would also reunite the Caps with former teammate and embattled young forward Andre Burakovsky. As has become customary with the return of longtime or players who left an impression on the team, the Capitals tipped their helmets to Burakovsky with a video tribute during the first period of the afternoon contest.
The tribute was played during a commercial timeout in the first period of the game, and following the tribute, Burakovsky was met with applause and cheers from the Washington faithful. Burakovsky acknowledged the crowd by raising his stick to the crowd, and waved his hand to the Caps’ bench, who also saluted their ex-mate with stick taps.
love ya, @andreburakovsky ❤️ pic.twitter.com/SrylUDKUYo
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) October 14, 2019
Drafted by the Capitals with the 23rd overall pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Burakovsky’s time in D.C. was mired by offensive flashes, followed by inconsistencies, injuries, and lack of confidence that often saw the young Swede fall into scoring lulls.
Burakovsky came through in the Capitals Eastern Conference Finals matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning, scoring twice in Game 7 to help the Caps down the Bolts 4-0 and move on to the Stanley Cup Final, where they took their series against the Vegas Golden Knights in five games to capture the franchise’s first Stanley Cup.
The complete tribute video for Andre:
Burakovsky finished his Capitals career with 145 points in 328 games played, with a plus-34 rating. In four games played heading into their matchup against the Caps, he had scored twice and added two assists for four points.
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A horrible effort by the ice hockey club! I’m still waiting for them to show up. Coach at fault for not having his team ready to play a 5pm contest. Shame on the players for sleep walking through the first period. Now the coach has a goaltender controversy! What other mistake are going to be made here by the bench boss? Don’t wait 25 games to release this unqualified person from his duties.
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