With a commanding 5-1 lead over the Philadelphia Flyers at Capital One Arena on Tuesday night, defenseman Matt Irwin scored his first goal as a member of the Washington Capitals to pad the lead by five.
Irwin, who was signed to a one-year, two-way contract in July 2021, scored his first goal at the 3:31 mark of the third period, extending the Capitals the lead to 6-1.
#ALLCAPS 6-1. MAT IRWIN CLAPPER. BEAUTY. pic.twitter.com/Qs3VglfuA2
— Capitals Replays (@capsreplays) April 13, 2022
The goal marks Irwin’s first as a member of the Capitals
Matt Irwin gives the Caps a 6-1 lead with his first goal as a Capital.
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) April 13, 2022
Additionally, the goal is his first since December 6, 2018, when he was a member of the Nashville Predators.
As @JohnWaltonPxP notes on @CapitalsRadio, Matt Irwin’s goal tonight vs #Flyers was his first since December 6, 2018#ALLCAPS lead 6-1 early P3
— Ben Raby (@BenRaby31) April 13, 2022
Capitals bench boss Peter Laviolette was asked after the game about Irwin’s goal and what that meant for him and the team.
“It’s never easy in ‘Matty I’s’ role. He comes to work every day and he works his tail off. He doesn’t get the call for two weeks, three weeks, whatever it might be, and all of sudden you find yourself in a lineup. I thought he played a fantastic game. So for him to contribute inside of the game like tonight was awesome. Guys really respond to that. They’re pulling for him.”
It’s been a pretty busy 36 hours for Matt and the Irwin family. His wife, Chantel, gave birth on Monday to a baby girl, Lennon Elizabeth.
By Michael Fleetwood
Matty I’s! And a new baby yesterday! Pretty good.
Irwin’s goal song 😂 You sexy thing by Hot Chocolate.
https://youtu.be/WmeMdEZPcpg