Winnik's goals lift Caps over Isles, 2-1
Winnik scored twice, on a deflection and a dazzling one-man effort, as the Capitals beat the New York Islanders, 2-1, on Saturday night in their home opener. Winnik's fifth career multigoal game was his second in 22 regular-season games in a Washington uniform.
Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender Braden Holtby stopped 21 of the 22 shots the Islanders put on net as the Capitals bounced back from a season-opening shootout loss at Pittsburgh to pick up their first victory. It took until almost halfway through last season for Washington to lose two consecutive games in any fashion as it won the Presidents' Trophy.
With that and other brand-new banners hanging from the rafters, the Capitals honored longtime wing Jason Chimera, who left to sign with the Islanders in the offseason, and got production from one of the players they're counting on to help replace him. Chimera received a hearty standing ovation during a video tribute in the first period that commemorated his seven seasons in Washington and a few memorable playoff goals.
Winnik had no goals in 12 playoff games last spring after coming over from the Toronto Maple Leafs at the trade deadline.