The Washington Capitals bounced back from three straight losses to trounce the St. Louis Blues 5-1 on Saturday.
It was a night to remember, for sure, as it marked the return of fan favorite T. J. Oshie to St. Louis. The team and fans gave him a standing ovation for his time with the Blues. Oshie visited with his former teammates and a few longtime fans before the game, including 5-year old Libby Lu, who's went viral after learning of T.J.'s trade last summer. "I got four big hugs," said Oshie, meeting with Libby prior to the game.
The night, however, belonged to the Captain and the Goaltender.
Alex Ovechkin made history, recording a hattrick for his 48th, 49th, and 50th goals, making him the 3rd player (Gretzky and Bossy) in NHL history to record 50 goals in a season 7 times, and the only player in NHL history to record three straight 50 goal seasons twice (2007-10) (2013-16).
As for the goalie, Braden Holtby made history by tying the great Martin Brodeur with 48 wins in a season. Holtby knocked away 19 shots for the milestone and visited by the man himself after the game.
Brodeur, the Assistant GM of the Blues, has been rooting for Holtby this season, "It just shows how good of a season he's had. It's a big record, Bernie Parent held it a long time before I surpassed him. Since (2007), I've been holding it. Who knows what's going to happen tomorrow, but I think it's great. It's a testament to him and how good of a season he's had." (NHL.com)
Now the question is, will Holtby get a shot at breaking the record tonight against the Anaheim Ducks at Verizon.
The Ducks need a win tonight to clinch the Pacific, and while the Caps are all set to play spoiler, it might be best to rest some guys as the Caps' first round opponent is the Philadelphia Flyers, a team that has been on fire lately.
Holtby holds a 2-0-2 record against the Flyers this season, and next week will start the true test of Washington's season.
If they play like they did last night, then there is a good chance the Caps can get by the Flyers, but with the last few weeks being abysmal, DC aren't holding their breath for an easy post-season.
More to come...