The Washington Capitals once again did not score the first goal of the game. This time, though, they decided to rally early rather than late. Boyd Gordon and Jason Arnott scored goals as the Capitals lead the Chicago Blackhawks, 2-1, after the first period.
The Capitals fell behind very early in the game. Nick Leddy banged home a rebound 4:46 in the game to give Chicago a 1-0 lead. The Blackhawks then went on the power play and were poised to add to their lead, but Gordon leaped off the bench to grab a Capitals clear and skate in on the right side for the shorthanded goal. Gordon ripped a slap shot past Corey Crawford to tie the score.
The Capitals then went on a power play at the end of the first period, and Arnott capitalized, ripping a slap shot from the point off both goalposts and in the back of the net. It's Arnott's second goal as a member of the Capitals, to go along with three assists.