WASHINGTON, DC – The 2015 Winter Classic was always going to be a tough game for the Washington Capitals. In addition to the red-hot Chicago Blackhawks coming to town, the Caps had history against them. The previous Winter Classics had resulted in a 1-6 record for the host teams.
Whether it be the distraction of hosting a big event or the disruption in the normal schedule, road teams tend to have the easier time in the outdoor event. Washington needed to start fast to have a chance in this matchup, and they did. Alex Ovechkin put his first shot on net just eleven seconds into the game, forcing Corey Crawford to cover and earning an offensive zone faceoff.
The team made a concerted effort to attack Crawford from his left side, taking shots from the sunnier half of the rink. While it did not result in a goal, this opening effort helped set the tone for an aggressive hockey game by the home team.
 The captain continued his attacking ways, netting a juicy rebound off Mike Green’s shot from the point. It was his first point in a Winter Classic, after being left off of the score sheet in Pittsburgh four years ago. At this point in the game, the Capitals seemed to have the Blackhawks on the ropes, with the home crowd behind them.
Unfortunately, a Nicklas Backstrom penalty led to an extremely short Chicago power play, on which Patrick Sharp scored on a shot that Braden Holtby seemed to lose in the glare just seven seconds into the man advantage. The goal, along with a nearly identical shot by Sharp that Holtby was able to stop, gave Chicago new life in the game.
Chicago controlled most of the second period, taking the crowd out of the game. A Brandon Saad goal on pretty assists from Marian Hossa and Jonathan Toews tied the game early in the period. Three second period penalties by the Capitals gave Chicago momentum, especially John Carlson getting called for high-sticking just 29 seconds into a penalty kill for Washington. The penalty kill stood strong on the five-on-three, however, not even allowing Chicago to get a shot off.
The momentum swung again, as both coaches mentioned after the game. “If we don’t kill that penalty,” said Washington coach Barry Trotz after the game, “You are asking me a very different set of questions right now.”
The third period was a back and forth affair, with a lot more action on the ice as well as in the stands. The Capitals finally got their first full power play of the game, but couldn’t convert. Late in the game, blueliner Matt Niskanen took a boarding penalty, giving Chicago a power play opportunity. At the end of the penalty kill, the special teams switched sides as Toews was called for a questionable hook.
The Capitals, sensing the chance to finish the game strong, attacked. Ovechkin was slashed by Saad as he charged to the net, breaking his stick. As he threw his hands in the air, looking for the call, Troy Brouwer picked the loose puck from under his feet and sent it toward net. Brouwer said he “never even saw where it went in,” but instead knew he’d scored when he heard the crowd roar with 12.9 seconds left to play.
 As the home crowd tossed souvenir seat cushions high in the air, the clock ran out and the horn sounded. The Capitals, in winning this game, not only added another quality victory to their resume for the year, but also gained a critical two points in their race for a playoff spot. Winning goaltender Braden Holltby said that while the Winter Classic was a big event, “the two points were more important to us.” Overcoming the grandeur and distraction that can come with hosting the Winter Classic was important for this team. So, too, is moving on quickly and looking to lock up the next two points.