Leafs Postgame: Capital Gains

To be the best, you’ve got to beat to best. At least, that’s what people say, and tonight, the Leafs were a team that eventually want to be the best facing a team that most definitely is. Impressively, the Leafs held their own against the Washington Capitals but ultimately dropped the result by a score of 3-2.

The Capitals opened up the scoring late in the first period with a pair of quick even strength goals that both made you swear that the Leafs were killing a penalty. Taylor Chorney rifled a wrist shot from the point to beat Jonathan Bernier, and Alexander Ovechkin rifled a one-timer set up by Nicklas Backstrom only 28 seconds later.

The Leafs started the second period off on a much more positive note, as Nikita Soshnikov absolutely wired his first career NHL goal. You could hear the scream of excitement back in Toronto. Just watch:

It ended up being the only goal of the second period, even as the Leafs continued to press, outshooting the Caps 14-6 over that span, though a crosscheck by Nazem Kadri left them shorthanded to start the third period.

Colin Greening scared the tank crowd midway through the third period by unleashing a heavy shot past Phillip Grubauer to tie the game up. As it turns out though, Soshnikov would give to both the hope and the tank on this night, as a penalty he took for sending Karl Alzner into the boards led to a game-winner by Matt Niskanen.

Overall, it was an extremely hard fought night, with the Leafs outshooting Washington in two of three periods. With the Caps on pace to have the best record in the Salary Cap era, holding on against them is no small accomplishment.

There’s no point in a Blue Warrior, seeing as we all know that it’s going to Soshnikov. But we can definitely show some respect to his fellow countryman for his contributions! Ovechkin’s goal was his 32th goal against the Leafs in just 39 career games; you can tell he enjoys facing the team he watched as a kid.

It was really cool to see Brooks Laich get some recognition from his now-former fanbase after twelve years of service. I watch the Caps a lot and felt it was time for them to move on from him, but it still feels weird to see him in another jersey; even Toronto’s.

On to the next… loss? The Leafs head back home to the Air Canada Centre, where they’ll take on the Minnesota Wild tomorrow.  Minnesota are 6-4-0 in their last ten and will no doubt be hungry for a win, seeing as they’re holding on to the final Wild Card spot for dear life. Puck drop is at 7:30 PM.