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Whether it happens in your 78th game or occurs in just your sixth, netting that first National Hockey League goal is a special moment.

Madison Bowey, defense, Washington Capitals.

Just ask Washington Capitals defenseman Madison Bowey and Edmonton Oilers blue-liner Caleb Jones.

Bowey, who appeared in 51 games for the Capitals last season, finally got his first NHL goal Saturday night – a rifle from the slot at 1:01 of the second period in a 3-2 Washington win over the Ottawa Senators in Ottawa.

Washington rookie defenseman Tyler Lewington also scored his first goal in just his second NHL game. It  was a first period tally that gave the Capitals a 2-0 lead in the opening frame.

“Obviously, it’s a long time, but it definitely felt great,” Bowey told The Washington Post of his of his goal. “It turned out to be a big goal for us…It was awesome, and I know the boys were happy for me, and to get that success, it’s sweet.”

 

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Caleb Jones.

Jones’ first goal, in his sixth NHL game since being called up from the AHL Bakersfield Condors, was one of the few bright spots for the Oilers in a 7-4 drubbing by the San Jose Sharks in Edmonton Saturday.

His score came at 10:40 of the third period in the the Oilers’ fifth straight loss.

“I’m sure in a couple of days when I look back on it, I will have a little smile,” Jones, the younger brother of Columbus Blue Jackets All-Star defenseman Seth Jones, told The Canadian Press. after the game. “But there was a lot of bad things tonight in our game. The moment I scored it, it just felt like a garbage-time goal.”

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