The Edinburgh Capitals advanced their historic start to 10-0 this weekend, defeating both the North Ayrshire Wild and the Paisley Pirates with back-to-back high-octane offensive performances.
The Caps travelled to Ayrshire on Saturday to take on the floundering Wild in the Scottish cup Quarter Final 1st leg; however, Edinburgh found it difficult to find their rhythm over the course of the game despite winning 6-2.
Sunday’s match-up against an improved Paisley Pirates, who recently added several new additions, was set to be the tougher matchup of the weekend.
As it turned out, the Pirates could not raise their level enough to match the Capitals, with Edinburgh routing the Paisley team 6-0.
In North Ayrshire, Chad Smith fired a shot past the Wild netminder’s glove mere minutes into the game, but the Capitals would only leave the first period up two.
The Caps would continue this pace throughout the course of the game, scoring two goals a period when on a good night it should have been double.
Although it would be considered a lacklustre night by coaches, players, and fans alike, several players stood out for the Caps.
Goaltender Ciaran Hoggan made his first appearance of the season, stopping 30/32 and making key saves while the game remained close.
New addition Conner McNulty made a huge impact, scoring twice along with regular stat-stuffer Chad Smith, equalling McNulty’s offensive output with two of his own.
Cammy Gallagher scored his first of the season, and Joe Lynch continued his unbelievable streak with a lightning-quick breakaway goal in the final period.
Despite appearing deflated on Saturday night, the Capitals returned to full form when a challenge was placed in front of them, a testament to this team’s resilient nature.
From start to finish, the Paisley Pirates stood no chance. McNulty diced his way through the Pirates defence in the early stages of the game, scoring an unbelievable opening goal and his third of the weekend.
McNulty would score again early in the third, but it was the line of Chad Smith, Joe Lynch, and Joel Gautschi that was truly unstoppable on Sunday.
The trio combined for three of the Capitals six goals and totalled seven points on the night to lead the team to their 9th league victory in a row.
Overshadowed by the Capitals offence, Ben Keddie posted his second shutout of the year, stopping 29/29 Pirate attempts on goal. However, it was Conner McNulty who took man-of-the-match honours, a deserving reward after his unforgettable four goal weekend.
Next time out, the Capitals will make the journey up to Aberdeen to take on the Lynx in their home rink on Saturday. We hope to see some of our passionate fans in the crowd to cheer the team to their 10th league win in a row!
