Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images
Throughout his time with the Capitals this season, forward Travis Boyd has made a case for more and regular playing time for Head Coach Todd Reirden, but a combination of salary cap constraints and a number of higher-priced bottom-six forwards already needing playing time have prevented the former sixth-round draft pick from getting a prime opportunity to establish himself in the lineup. However, when he has gotten the chance to play, the 177th overall pick in 2011 has produced, and added to that with a goal in the first period of the Capitals’ Saturday night contest against the Boston Bruins.
The goal came at the 14:27 mark of the opening frame in Beantown, tying the game 1-1. The goal came on assists from John Carlson and Brendan Leipsic and was Boyd’s first of the 2019-20 regular season, and his first since being recalled from the American Hockey League’s Hershey Bears.
.@Tboyd93 with the deflection!! pic.twitter.com/wvejOE0XNd
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 17, 2019
Boyd’s daughter Hayden was pretty happy about her dad’s goal against the B’s:
Woot woot 🥰🥳 @Tboyd93 pic.twitter.com/CwR50jn5hu
— Kelsey DeGonda (@kelseydegonda) November 17, 2019
Boyd now has five points (one goal, four assists) in six games played with the Caps this season, averaging 9:24 a game heading into the game against Boston, where through two periods he had played 6:12. Boyd’s 2018-19 season showed the offensive potential for the 26-year old, Hopkins, Minnesota native, as he recorded 20 points (five goals, 15 assists) in 53 games played, with a plus-60 rating and averaging 9:50 of ice time a night. However, the offseason signings of Garnet Hathaway, Richard Panik, and Leipsic, as well as the re-signing of Carl Hagelin created a roadblock for Boyd’s path to a regular role. Boyd’s continued production will serve him well in the pursuit of a regular role in the lineup.
By Michael Fleetwood
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Said it a million times… wish Boyd would stay up
Agreed. He is doing well, and the team also seems to play better together when he is around.
Yes, I’ve noticed this also. Wish they had clear room for him.
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