If you look closely, you can see the puck going by Pominville’s shin pads. (Photo credit: Bill Wippert)

On Wednesday night, Mike Green had one of the most calamitous screw-ups of his career against the New York Islanders. After misplaying a terrible pass from Brooks Laich, Matt Moulson stole the puck and tossed it to John Tavares for the game-winning goal.

Green’s a world-class player though, which is exactly why he bounced back in a very big way Saturday night against the Sabres.

With the Caps trailing 3-2 midway through the third period, Green ripped a slap shot from the point that beat Jhonas Enroth stick-side. Unfortunately, the puck clanged off the post and ricocheted harmlessly to the end boards. Green’s upgrade to hero status would have to wait.

GIF by welshhockeyfan

With forty seconds left to go in the game and Braden Holtby pulled for an extra attacker, Green tried the same shot again. This time, the Hockey Gods would take pity on Game Over, forcing the puck to clang off the post and Enroth’s glove into the net.

GIF by welshhockeyfan

Just how head coach Adam Oates drew it up. Or not.

After getting goals from Matt Hendricks and Alex Ovechkin in the shootout, the Caps would win 4-3.

“The first one hit the post and went out,” Green said of the two plays after the game. “I just came back to the bench and said ‘I wish it would’ve hit him in the back and went in.’ The second one did. Somebody was listening to me.”

The loss could have also killed the Capitals’ playoff hopes, something not lost on the star defenseman.

“These points are huge for us,” said Green. “There’s no room for error. We have to win these games and we know that.”

With the win, the Caps are now two points out of a playoff spot in the East with 14 games to go. This one’s gonna be close.