The Washington Capitals weren’t quite ready for Saturday afternoon’s date with the New York Rangers. They got an early lead but were unable to protect it. The Rangers took the lead in the third, and it fell to Nick Backstrom to push us past #rego. Then the Captain did The Thing.
Alex Ovechkin struck first with a gift-wrapped goal in the first period. Justin Williams doubled that lead with a solo-effort, tuck-in goal in the second period.
Oscar Lindberg cut that lead to one in the third period after defusing Washington’s breakout, then Kevin Hayes erased the lead altogether with ten minutes left. With 7 minutes left, Viktor Stalberg did the unprecedented: taking the lead back from the Caps in the third period. The Caps looked at the peak of their powers in a comeback effort, finished off by a desperate goal by Nick Backstrom with 6 seconds left.
Then, in overtime, Alex Ovechkin won it, scoring his 499th career goal.
Caps beat Rangers 4-3 in overtime.
- One more goal and then we hit 500. Is party then.
- In an alternate universe, T.J. Oshie scored two goals in this game and then we all watched reruns of Firefly season 13.
- In the second period, linesman Derek Arnell took a wild puck to the gut. He stayed in the game because even the dang officials in this sport are hockey tough.
- Paul Carey made his debut for Washington, wearing number 28. Feeeeeelings.
Paul Carey's wearing #28? No, that's not weird at all. Nope. (Image adapted from @TedStarkey's screenshot) pic.twitter.com/bv3nuhymiE
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) January 9, 2016
- Number 28 was on the ice for the game’s first three goals. That’s New York’s #28, Dominic Moore.
- None us love Nick Backstrom enough. Craig of the Buddys calls it “ruthless Swedish efficiency.”
- The second line was a possession disaster against the Rangers, as best illustrated by the Hayes goal. I don’t the problem is Burakovsky or Williams. *whistles and skips away*
- That said, even from the depths of Andre’s tank I can admit his turnover led to that goal.
- Taylor Chorney and Aaron Ness had been playing great in limited engagements, but Oscar Lindberg‘s goal in the third period was the result of their failed clear.
- The Caps have not lost a game in rego when leading in the third period this season, but a coach’s challenge for offsides made it damn close this time. I suppose that was the right call, but it was at least a bit muddy, right? I dunno.
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) January 9, 2016
- Karl Alzner blocked a quantity of shots that I don’t care about. Probably 7, maybe more. I can’t be bothered to look it up.
Joe B suit of the night
OVI
BEST
HAHAHAHAA )))))))
This abbreviated recap comes to you from Nellie’s in northwest DC, where today we celebrated Chris Gordon’s 21st birthday party. A jolly time was had by all, and all in celebration of a good friend and a very special young man. By all means, use the comments below to bemoan a disappointing third period, but please also join me in sharing best wishes for Chris’s legal-alcohol-consumption era.
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