Last night’s game in New York was the definition of playoff hockey. Madison Square Garden was a mad house halfway through the second period when Brandon Dubinsky put away the Rangers’ third goal of the game. “The Caps are choking again,” were probably the words coming out of many Washington fans after the brutal second they had experience. That’s the great thing about the playoffs; the game isn’t over until it’s over. That is the mentality the Capitals had during the second intermission and heading into the final period.
Alex Semin didn’t waste any time in the comeback charge when he stayed with a shot and stashed one past Lundqvist. No later than 57 seconds from the first goal, Brooks Laich found Marcus Johansson for his first career playoff goal. This made the score 3-2, and Mojo wasn’t finished yet. With less than eight minutes remaining Johansson evened things up with a John Carlson shot deflecting off him. Just like that Mojo was fist pumping on one knee and the Caps had proven all the haters wrong.
In the first over time the Capitals had most of the scoring chances, the most memorable being Alex Ovechkin’s breakaway chance where Henrik stoned him. Ovi didn’t play his best game with a -2 ice rating, but some games the rest of the team has to carry the captain. In the second overtime Jason Chimera would put the W on the board and defy the odds. It was Chimmy’s second goal of the playoffs and a well-deserved one for the way he skates every night.
Michal Neuvirth played very well after the three goal hiccup in the middle period. He logged 36 saves for the night and made some ten bell stops late in the game to preserve the tie. I would like to give Scott Hanna and John Erskine for their stellar play on defense last night. Hannan led the team with seven shorthanded minutes which aided the Caps in killing all seven penalties. Also Eric Fehr in his first playoff appearance of the series had a +3 ice rating. Overall the third line of Chimmy, Mojo, and Fehrsy played an outstanding game.
As I said before the game this game was possibly the most important and especially in the way it played out. Game five will be played at the Verizon Center where the Capitals will hopefully take their run to the second round. After that double overtime win Washington definitely has the momentum going into Saturday. Keep the faith and Rock the Red!
Player of the Game: Marcus Johansson (2 goals)
Stat of the Game: 3 goals +5 ice rating (3rd line)
Unsung Hero: Scott Hannan
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