Jose Theodore was tremendous in goal, leading the Washington Capitals over the hosting Boston Bruins, 4-1, setting the franchise mark for consecutive victories with eleven straight.
It was Boston's eight straight defeat.
The Capitals broke the club record set from Jan. 27-Feb. 18, 1984 and have the NHL's longest winning streak since the San Jose Sharks also won 11 in a row from Feb. 21-March 14, 2008. During their 11 wins, the Capitals, who lead the Eastern Conference, have outscored opponents 51-22.
Theodore was really on his game tonight, and he needed to be, especially in the first period, when the Caps took four penalties and was shorthanded for a good chunk of the frame.
The veteran goalie finished with 41 saves, including one on Blake Wheeler where, from the ice, he reached back with his stick to sweep the puck off the goal line.
It was another sparkling effort for Theodore, who won his personal-best eighth consecutive game.
"It's fun to be part of franchise history. Getting that 11th win, and beating the old record, it's great," Theodore told reporters after the game.
"Not bad," Boudreau said of Theodore. "He was in a complete zone today and I hope he stays there."
Theodore needed to be in the zone, as few of his teammates played up to his level for the first couple of periods. It didn't help that the Caps took four minor penalties in the first and another in the second, three against winger Alexander Semin.
Semin was plagued with games like this early in his career and earlier this season. He took two hooking calls, resultant from lack of effort and determination. He was fortunate that the penalty kill is playing so well, mitigating the damage done from his infractions.
Washington got balanced scoring once again. Mike Knuble tied the game in the second period, and Brooks Laich, Boyd Gordon and Alex Ovechkin all scored in the third period. Tom Poti had two assists on the evening.
So the win streak goes to 11 games, and it's on to New York to face the imploding Rangers Thursday night. If you've been a Caps fan since the beginning, picked it up during the playoff years in the '80s, or joined the Red Army after the lockout, it's a proud night to be a Capitals fan.
Enjoy it. Then get ready for Thursday.
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