On Saturday night, the Capitals defeated the Aberdeen Lynx 2-0 to bring their unbeaten streak to a whopping six games! The Caps opening run has seen their combined offence, defence, and goaltending cause even the best teams in the SNL to falter–the Lynx were no different. Although Aberdeen stifled Edinburgh’s offence in the first, Chad Smith fired a shot past the Lynx keeper midway through the second to make it 1-0. Adam Robinson made it 2-0 ten minutes later off a beautiful tip on a Rihards Grigors point blast. While the Caps offence managed to get a few goals on the board, the game was far from over with 20 minutes remaining. Had it not been for a stellar shutout performance from goaltender Ben Keddie, the Caps might not have eked out the win. Stopping 39/39 shots, Keddie kept Edinburgh in the lead until the final buzzer sounded, making several outstanding saves along the way.
In the first period, the Capitals controlled much of the pace of play and possession but were unable to get one past the young Lynx keeper. However, Edinburgh’s offensive play was not at the same level as it was against Whitley last weekend, with several grade A chances going to waste. Fortunately, Ben Keddie and the Capitals defence held any potential Aberdeen offence at bay while the forwards regrouped.
The second was a different story; the Capitals came out of the locker room ready for the challenge ahead, quickly taking it to the Lynx offensively. Chad Smith capitalised on the pressure eight minutes in with a quick shot off a pass from Joe Lynch, beating the Aberdeen goalie under his glove. Trailing by only one and eager for an equaliser, the Lynx turned up the heat, peppering Keddie with shots. However, the young netminder was unfazed, allowing Adam Robinson’s tip to put the Capitals up two headed into the third.
Although 40 minutes had passed, the showdown between two of the premier SNL programs was far from over. With desperation creeping into the Aberdeen bench, they once again upped their play. However, it was no match for Keddie and the Edinburgh defence who turned away shot after shot–sealing Keddie’s first shutout as a Capital. The last 20 minutes of play solidified the Capitals place as the team to beat in the SNL, now standing as the only unbeaten team left in the league.
Thank you to all of the fans who came out to cheer the Caps to their sixth win in a row this Saturday! We look forward to seeing you when the Edinburgh Capitals take on the current league champions, Dundee Rockets, in the second double header this season. The first game will be played on Saturday, 25/10 at the Murrayfield Ice Arena, with the second on 26/10 in Dundee. See you there!
