Capitals 3, Blackhawks 2 (OT) – Recap

By Kevin Schroeder
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Updated: November 12, 2016

The Blackhawks played a solid game against a big, physical team Friday night. Washington opened the scoring with the Hawks on a power play. T.J. Oshie set up Jay Beagle to give the Capitals a 1-0 lead 6:17 into the first. Brian Campbell tied the game for Chicago 22 seconds later. Beagle found the back of the net on a wraparound later in the period and the 2-1 score would hold all the way until the closing seconds of the third. Both teams had some good looks. but great defense and great goaltending kept the game 2-1 until Marian Hossa tapped in a rebound off an Artemi Panarin shot with Corey Crawford out for the extra attacker and 23 seconds on the clock. In overtime, the Hawks struggled to get set up at first. Once they did, they got a couple nice looks, but no goal. With Washington heading towards the Chicago net, Oshie tripped, Vinnie Hinostroza tripped over him, and Marcus Johansson gave the Capitals the extra point.

A few things

So, Hinostroza – I dunno, man. The trip wasn’t his fault; just a bad break that probably should have been a penalty. He was fine here, but everything just doesn’t seem to be “there” for him. And this one I don’t think can be blamed on being on the fourth line, because he was playing with Ryan Hartman, who he played with in Rockford, and Jordin Tootoo, who’s been not useless lately. If Hinostroza hangs around in Chicago, he’s on pace to be this year’s “guy who has immense physical potential, but whose lack of awareness keeps him from fully reaching it.” I’m fully expecting him to be sent to Rockford once Artem Anisimov‘s back (could be any day). On the one hand, his biggest issue seems to be adjusting to the NHL game, so playing against lesser competition probably won’t be a cure-all there. On the other hand, he’s not going to develop on the bench. There’s just not a consistent spot for him in the lineup once Anisimov’s back and doubly so once Tyler Motte‘s back. Let him get ice time in Rockford.
Duncan Keith had a couple biffs in this one.
Corey Crawford left the ice and headed to the dressing room briefly. Given how short of a time he was in there, I’m guessing it was an equipment issue. Scott Darling played well and made a big save while on the ice.

My picks for 3 stars

★★★ Marcus Johansson, LW, WAS (1 G (GWG))

★★ Marian Hossa, RW, CHI (1 G, 1 A)

★ Jay Beagle, RW, WAS (2 G)

Twitter: @KSchroeder_312

E-mail: schroeder.giig@gmail.com