Mikhail Grabovski marked his first career hat trick. He is the first player in Washington Capitals history to score a hat trick in the team's season opener.
Grabovski scored the fourth goal of the game to let the Capitals erase the one goal deficit from the first period. He tied the game at 2 from an assist by Joel Ward at 10:30 in the second quarter.
Grabovski's First Goal as a Capital
He scored another game tying goal at the 59 seconds mark of the third quarter. It was Washington's second power play goal and the goal was originally believed to have been scored by defenseman Mike Green, but Grabovski tipped in Green's shot.
Here's a slow-mo view of Grabovski's second goal as a Capital.
[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGyWjzCh5zY
Grabovski put everyone in the stands at United Center in silence as he scored his third goal of the game to give the Capitals a 4-3 lead and to complete his hat trick. The goal was assisted by Mike Green and Nicklas Backstorm. It was the Capitals third power-play goal of the night to give 50% in power play goals.
Grabovski's Third Goal on 10/1/13
Unfortunately, the Washington Capitals fell to the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center 6-4 on opening night of the regular season when Johnny Oduya scored at the 13:53 mark in the third period. Marian Hossa had the game-winning goal with an empty netter at 19:22 when the Washington Capitals were on a power play after Joakim Nordstrom received a delay of game penalty.
The Capitals will be facing off against Calgary on Thursday, October 3rd at 7 pm EST.
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