CAPITALS hold off SHARKS rally for 4-2 Victory...
RECAP
San Jose, CA- After a long 4 Game Road Trip in Canada where San Jose went (2-1-1) the Sharks(40-13-5) returned to California to meet the Stanley Cup Champions, Washington Capitals(33-22-3).
And it was a rough one as San Jose came out sloppy.
"We don't know what happened. Might of been because we were on the road so long we kind of just came out and fell flat on our face. We can't do that against the Champions like Washington." Sharks Head Coach Peter DeBoer stated.
The Sharks(40-13-5) were flat in the First Period as Washington(33-22-3) jumped out to a 2-0 lead jumping all over Rookie Goalie Joey Backstrom(12-2).
Backstrom stopped 24 shots.
"They're the defending Cup Champions. They're a tough Team to beat." Backstrom said.
Washington beat San Jose 4-3 in Overtime on January 22 in our Nation's Capital.
"San Jose is a tough Team with lots of speed and leadership. For us to come in here in their building and get a win is a huge accomplishment." Capitals Head Coach Todd Reirden said.
Capitals Goalie Braden Holtby stopped 25 shots as the Capitals held off a desperate Sharks attack in the 3rd Period.
"You're not gonna beat him. He's that good. We threw 27 shots and he stopped us." Sharks Captain Joe Pavelski stated.
Pavelski's 30th Goal of the year put San Jose within one. Rookie Tyler Adams scored for the score at 3-2 in favor of the Capitals.
Alex Ovechkin's Empty Netter sealed the deal for Washington(33-22-3).
With the win tonight, the Capitals have now taken over first place in the Metropolitan Division with 69 Points.
The New York Rangers fall to 2nd Place 2 points back.
On Saturday Night the Sharks(40-13-5) will host the Vancouver Canucks(29-28-2) who they just beat 8-2 on Monday in Vancouver.