An early goal for the Avalanche had the Capitals on the ropes far too quickly at the Verizon Center. Could they possibly be on their way to losing five games in a row for the first time ever under Bruce Boudreau?
With just 2:14 gone in the game, Colorado's Kevin Shattenkirk scored his fifth goal of the season, slotting a low shot past Michal Neuvirth for the early lead. Shattenkirk was practically on the goalline and squeezed the puck in from a tight angle. Still, Neuvirth certainly could have done better.
Fans throughout the Verizon Center had to be worried that they were about to witness yet another disappointing effort from their home team. Relief was shared all around though when Mike Knuble tied the game at one. Knuble collected a rebound from an Alex Ovechkin shot and scored the 250th goal of his long-standing career. He ranks 30th in goals among all active players in the NHL.
But then, with under two minutes remaining before the first intermission, some lazy defending from the Capitals left Ryan Wilson all alone, and the Avalanche player made no mistakes, burying a wrist shot pass Neuvirth.
Colorado has outshot the Capitals 13-11, and is holding on to a 2-1 lead.