GOTTA SEE IT: Kempny Scores First Goal Since 2019 For Capitals In Philly

The last few years haven’t been too kind to Michal Kempny, following three injuries to his left leg, a rough raining camp and a bout with COVID-19 this season. However, he’s since returned to the Washington Capitals roster, and in his first game drawing back into the lineup since late January, he made an impact right away against the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday.

After taking an early penalty, Kempny made up for it at the end of the first period. On a rocket of a slap shot from the point, the Czech blueliner scored his first goal of the season. It also marked his first goal in almost two and a half years.

Kempny scored this goal from the parking lot and we head into the intermission up one-zip!! pic.twitter.com/beKFJZMYmG

— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) February 18, 2022

The last time Kempny scored was 60 games ago, when he struck twice against the Vancouver Canucks on Oct. 25, 2016.

Through eight games this season, Kempny has a goal and assist and an even +/- rating of 0, along with 14 hits and 13 blocks. He started the season in Hershey and returned to the Capitals amid a COVID-19 outbreak in late December, and has since earned the spot of a full-time extra.

The 31-year-old blueliner went on COVID-19 protocol on Jan. 28 and had not played since. However, he drew back in on Thursday amid an injury to Justin Schultz, slotting in on the third pairing alongside Trevor van Riemsdyk. So far against Philly, Kempny has a goal, two shots and two PIM through 6:07 minutes.