Fraser Minten ends nine-round shootout as Bruins outlast Capitals 3-2 in Washington

A scoreless first period set up a tight game that stayed even through overtime

The Boston Bruins defeated the Washington Capitals 3-2 in a nine-round shootout on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Capital One Arena, after neither team scored in overtime and both clubs were held without a goal through the first eight shootout rounds.

Defenseman Charlie McAvoy scored both Boston goals in regulation, tying the game twice. Forward Fraser Minten delivered the only shootout goal, converting in the ninth round to decide the game.

How the game was scored

The teams played a scoreless first period. Washington opened the scoring early in the second when Matt Roy scored at 1:15, with assists credited to Rasmus Sandin and Hendrix Lapierre. Boston tied it later in the period at 11:57 on McAvoy’s first goal of the afternoon, assisted by David Pastrnak.

Washington regained the lead at 3:12 of the third period when Sandin scored unassisted. The Bruins answered again at 10:09, with McAvoy scoring his second of the game on assists from Pavel Zacha and Viktor Arvidsson to make it 2-2.

• Washington goals: Matt Roy; Rasmus Sandin (unassisted).
• Boston goals: Charlie McAvoy (2).
• Deciding goal: Fraser Minten, ninth round of the shootout.

What stood out in a game decided by special situations

With no scoring in the opening period and no winner in overtime, the outcome hinged on execution in isolated, high-leverage moments: defensive-zone coverage that prevented extended breakdowns, timely responses after conceding the lead, and the shootout’s one-shot margin. Boston’s ability to erase deficits twice kept the game level long enough to reach the skills competition.

Final: Bruins 3, Capitals 2 (SO), after nine rounds of the shootout with one total goal scored.

Series context

The March 14 result came one week after Boston’s March 7 win over Washington at TD Garden, where the Bruins won 3-1. In the rematch in Washington, the teams produced an even 2-2 scoreline across regulation and overtime before Minten’s shootout finish separated them.