Our final week of regular season hockey began with Metro foes, the New York Islanders. Backstopped by a person who I can only assume is familiar with goaltending, the Isles were disadvantaged but not helpless.
Like all good hockey games, this one began with a goal by Alex Ovechkin, a wide shot following a faceoff. John Tavares tied it in the second period with a weird goal that escaped Braden Holtby’s glove hand.
The top line struck twice in the third period with goals by Oshie and Ovi, but Kyle Okposo got a gritty goal shortly after to keep it tense. A frenetic forecheck led to Anders Lee’s game-tying goal from the paint.
After a bunch of Caps chances, Thomas Hickey got the win for the Isles in overtime.
Islanders beat Caps 4-3 in OT.
- The top line was electric. 65+ percent possession and three goals. Alex Ovechkin scored two of ’em, the latter being a lovely and lively rush sequence with Johansson and Oshie. Oshie, for his part, netted his 26th of the season, and shut up, I don’t want to talk about it, dammit. Marcus Johansson notched two assists, climbing his total to 28, and drew penalties like the perfect little Swede he is.
- And then there’s Ovechkin, who needs just three goals in the final three games to hit the 50-goal mark again. If that matters to you. I’m not sure it does to me, but maybe I’m just cranky.
- John Carlson is back. He looks great.
- Tom Wilson has been the topic of much blog debate lately, but on the ice he was… exactly what you expected. Two penalties (a roughing and a crosscheck) and a couple good looks that he just couldn’t finish.
- Michael Latta returned to action after a month and change on the shelf. During 5v5 in light fourth-line duties, he wasn’t very good. To get noticed, Latta dropped mitts and dropped bombs on Scott “Curtis” Mayfield during a first-period fight. I hate that, particularly because Latta already has got better fundamentals than two or three forwards who get a sweater every night.
- I’m tempted to say “Dmitry Orlov got burned” on that Anders Lee goal, but he didn’t. Orlov just sorta dropped his assignment, and then the Isles crept back into the game. Orlov got benched for the final few minutes of regulation time.
- The greatest trick Marcus Johansson ever pulled was convincing the world he’s not trying to kill Thomas Hickey. (Glad Hickey is okay– even if he got the OT winner.)
- With the loss Braden Holtby will need at least one more chance to tie Martin Brodeur’s record for most wins in a single season. Belay the canonization process until then.
Joe B suit of the night
I’m okay with this game.
Everybody here at RMNBHQ is feeling a little blech tonight. I’m sorry this wasn’t sassier or funnier. We’ll all be better in time for the party this weekend. Promise.
