(Photo Credits: AP/Charles Krupa)

By: Liz Rizzo | Follow me on Twitter @pastagrl88

It was a rough hit on Brandon Carlo that became the catalyst in Boston’s solid win over the Capitals 5-1 tonight at the TD Garden. From that point, animosity grew between these two teams, and for the Bruins, the best way to channel their anger was to win.

GAME BREAKDOWN

Another physical start for both teams in the second match-up of a homestead. The Bruins had an early potential goal as they looked to control game pace early on in the period. Stemming from Wednesday’s game, tempers flared unsurprisingly on the ice. David Krejci was unable to connect his shot on the net as Vitek Vanecek was there to block. Charlie Coyle (back from a COVID-19 protocol) also missed a chance to get the Bruins on board first.

With a little over five minutes left in the period, Brad Marchand would score his 11th goal of the season off a feed from Captain Patrice Bergeron. The celebration would be short-lived as Coyle would be called for a slashing penalty against Dmitry Orlov.

Bruins Jake Studnicka blew a chance to net the second goal of the night on a possible breakaway. No goal on Washington’s man-advantage. A dangerous pause in the game as Brandon Carlo got hit high in the head by Tom Wilson. Despite some animated discussions between the Boston bench and officials with some head-scratching from the team, no penalty called. According to Coach Bruce Cassidy, he wasn’t given an explanation for the no-call by officials. Carlo was sent to the hospital for further assessment via ambulance.

SCORE END OF THE FIRST: BOS-1, WSH-0

SHOTS ON GOAL: BOS-8, WSH 12

Unfortunately, Brandon Carlo would not return to the game after the bad hit from Wilson. Feeling the hit on Carlo was unnecessary, Jarred Tinordi wasted no time chucking some knucks against Tom Wilson at the beginning of the second period. Both were assessed penalties for fighting. Play continued as Trent Frederic tipped one in after a pass from Charlie McAvoy, making it 2-0 Boston.

Momentum greatly shifted in favor of the Bruins as they buzzed towards the Capital’s net. Number 37 Patrice Bergeron would net his second goal of the night that came way from a set up by fellow linemates David Pastrnak and Marchand giving Boston the lead 3-0.

The Bruins continued their explosive offensive play as Brad Marchand scored his second goal of the night from a nice pass from Matt Grzelcyk, making the score 4-0.

Ilya Samsonov replaced Vitek Vanecek in goal for Washington.

SCORE END OF SECOND: BOS-4, WSH-0

SHOTS ON GOAL: BOS-10, WSH-8

The third period opened up with a goal and a couple of penalties being tossed around: Krejci would sauce a pass to Nick Ritchie leading to the fifth goal of the night for the Boston Bruins. Seconds later Tom Wilson found himself in a tussle against Trent Frederic. Wilson would be assessed a five-minute penalty while Frederic was called for a two-minute minor for instigating and misconduct (served by Craig Smith).

Off the face-off, David Pastrnak drew a high-stick penalty courtesy of T.J. Oshie. Despite the man advantage, no goal for Boston. The Bruins maintained control of the game as they limited any Capitals’ scoring chances. With a little over six minutes left, Jakub Vrana found the back of Boston’s net, making the score 5-1.

In the last minute of the period, Chris Wagner was called for a slashing penalty against former Captain Zdeno Chara, however, there was little hope for the Capitals at this point of the game. Boston would end Washington’s four-game winning streak.

SCORE END OF GAME: BOS-5, WSH-1

TOTAL SHOTS ON GOAL: BOS-25, WSH-32

NEXT GAMD: Sunday, March 7th versus New Jersey Devils, with puck drop at 5:00 pm. NBCSN, NESN