After the Washington Capitals acquired defenseman Brenden Dillon at the NHL’s Trade Deadline last season, the longtime San Jose Shark had just 10 regular season games in to adjust to new teammates and city, and an early first round playoff exit ended the veteran blueliner’s season on a sour note. After re-signing with the Caps in the offseason, Dillon wasted no time in getting on the scoresheet in the 2020-21 season, scoring a goal against the Buffalo Sabres.
With the Capitals already up 3-1 against the Sabres in their first game played under new Head Coach Peter Laviolette, Dillon took the puck close to the point and blasted a shot through traffic, which found its way untouched past Buffalo goaltender Carter Hutton. The goal extended the Caps’ lead to 4-1.
Dilly Dilly from the point! pic.twitter.com/Sgj9pp0EGJ
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 15, 2021
The goal was Dillon’s first in a Capitals sweater and his first in 11 regular season games of play.
Brenden Dillon scores to give the Capitals a 4-1 lead. It’s Dillon’s first goal as a Capital.
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) January 15, 2021
Capitals Center Lars Eller and new forward Conor Sheary both recorded assists on the marker. It marks the first point for Sheary, who was signed as a free agent during the offseason, in a Washington sweater as well.
Conor Sheary recorded an assist on Dillon’s goal, marking his first point as a Capital. Last season, Sheary ranked 7th among left wings with 1.65 points per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 play among all LWs who averaged 12 mins. or less of 5-on-5 time per game and played (min. 60 GP).
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) January 15, 2021
By Michael Fleetwood