Just 5:55 into Thursday’s game, Taylor Chorney’s goal put the Capitals up 1-0 and a weight was lifted.
If it felt like it had been forever since the Caps had taken a 1-0 lead in a game, well, it felt that way to the Caps too.
“I feel like we've been chasing the game lately,” Alex Chiasson said. “It's nice to get on the board early. I think it allows the coach to roll four lines a little more and get everyone into the game. First goal in any game is huge.”
The Caps had given up the first goal in seven straight games heading into Thursday. In the month of October, Washington gave up the first goal a league-leading nine times in 12 games with a 3-9-0 record in those games. The last time they took a 1-0 lead? October 13 in a 5-2 win over the New Jersey Devils.
Barry Trotz was able to laugh about it after the game.
“It felt strange,” he told reporters. “I didn't know what to do. We were like, hey we got one.”
MORE CAPITALS: ELLER SCORES TWICE IN CAPS 4-3 WIN