Steinbog and the Boss (Photo: Uncle Ted)

Finallyyyyyyyyy the Caps have come back to DC! On the road since March 4, Washington returned home to host the Carolina Hurricanes, who sincerely think they’re a playoff team. That’s cute.

In a stunning turn of events–no seriously–the Caps scored the game’s first goal on the stick of Justin Williams, who tapped in Jason Chimera’s pass. Jordan Staal potted one in the second. Without a goal in the third period, the Caps earned a standings point and secured a playoff spot.

Alex Ovechkin won it in overtime! Caps beat Canes 2-1! 

Here’s hoping you enjoyed game 69 of the Caps season.

• The Caps did not give up a goal in the first, but they also didn’t score in the first, so… I call it progress.
• Jay Beagle manned the top line as Ovi’s off wing, and he was… fine. Ovi and company totally owned the puck at 5v5, but that didn’t stop them from allowing Jordan Staal‘s goal in the second period.
• Alex Ovechkin was noticeably better in overtime, where he and Kuznetsov worked their Russian arses off to win it.
• The excellent Rob Vollman’s forthcoming Stat Shot is available for preorder at a discount. Rob has been extremely helpful to us other the years, and he’s a great writer. Check it out.
• Dmitry Orlov’s role in the Staal goal was somewhat controversial. Pat Holden and I debated it vigorously in group chat:

• Mike Richards had a thrilling shorthanded chance, but the fourth line was otherwise terrible. Winnik didn’t do anything, and Connor Carrick scored. Leafs win the trade. Good on Cricket!
• Steny Hoyer and Zodiac Killer both in the house tonight! Ted Leonsis, who joined the broadcast team during the third period, was tweeting hot selfie fire tonight.

Joe B suit of the night

Kind of snoozer, imho. See ya on Friday for the game against the Preds.

Full RMNB Coverage of Caps vs Canes