WASHINGTON, DC – Sometimes sports gives you a storybook ending and New Year’s Day 2015 was one of those for the NHL. Former Blackhawk Troy Brouwer scored a power play with 12.9 seconds remaining to 
give Washington a 3-2 Winter Classic victory.
“It was a special goal,” said Brouwer. “It was my first goal against my former team and it was a game winner.”
The Capitals decisive goal came on the power play. Chicago captain Johnathan Toews was sent to the box on what could be called a questionable hooking call. Both the captain and Joel Quenneville felt it may have been a make-up call going the Caps’ way.
“We had a power play before that, so I think both teams had their turn and they cashed in,” said Quenneville.
The game began as scheduled without delay, despite rumors the glare from the ice could have affected the puck drop. The sun was shining on the Nationals Park ice surface and the teams were skating fast. The teams quickly got acquainted as physical play was seen throughout the game’s first six minutes.
Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook misplayed a puck at his own blue line which Eric Fehr capitalized on. The Capitals right wing jumped on the loose puck and scored a breakaway goal to open up the Winter Classic scoring. Fehr became the first player to score three outdoor goals in his career.
Washington nearly doubled their lead as the 10 minute horn sounded. Before the game it was determined the teams would switch ends at the halfway point of the first period to accommodate the sun issues. Karl Alzner’s shot was ticketed towards the net at that exact moment. If it would have gone in Toronto would have been called for an official review. Hawks goalie Corey Crawford made a point blank stop to avoid any controversy.
Less than two minutes later Alexander Ovechkin grabbed his first outdoor point with a rebound goal. A Mike Green slap shot was not cleanly handled by Crawford and ended up on Ovechkin’s stick for the easy tap in.
Chicago took full advantage of their first power play of the game. Chicago won the initial faceoff and worked the point to Patrick Sharp on the point. He released a slap shot in the sun that moved into the shade giving Braden Holtby no chance to stop it.
The Blackhawks came out flying to start the second period. Winning early face offs and establishing zone presence. Brandon Saad finished a tic-tac-toe sequence tying the game at the 3:15 mark. Toews was credited with the assist, giving him a record five career outdoor points.
Special teams made the difference throughout much of the middle frame. The Capitals got much needed momentum back with their penalty kill. Chicago enjoyed a long five-on-three but spent all their time passing and didn’t register a shot on goal. Washington Head Coach Barry Trotz felt it was the difference in the game.
“The five-on-three was the tipping point of the game,” said Trotz. “If we don’t kill that the Hawks go home with two points.”
The Capitals win was only the second time the home team was victorious in sev
en Winter Classic games. Each team will now return to normalcy. The Blackhawks are looking for a Central Division crown while the Capitals are hoping to grab any of the Eastern Conference playoffs spots.
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