The Washington Capitals and Columbus Blue Jackets entered Thursday night’s game in a fierce battle for first place in the Metropolitan Division and the NHL.

The Blue Jackets struck first, but it was Dmitry Orlov, on Russian Heritage Night, who played the hero, forcing overtime for the Capitals.

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DOWN. TOWN. #CapsJackets on @csnma pic.twitter.com/bMq7XVwUGL

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 24, 2017

The play was simple. Johanson dished a beautiful pass to the point. Orlov wound up to the heavens, fired, and scored.

Here’s another look. Orlov was PUMPED when he scored.

It was Orlov’s sixth scoarlov of the season, two off his career high of eight last year.

Ironically, Orlov scored the goal on one of his closest friends in hockey, Sergei Bobrovsky. The two players both grew up in Novokuznetsk, Russia and played on Metallurg Novokuznetsk of the KHL. The pair also recently spent Christmas break together in Columbus. Orlov also routinely participates in Bobrovsky’s summer hockey camp.

In Russian Heritage Night, @orlov_09 puts the @Capitals on the board! #CapsJackets @WesJohnsonVoice pic.twitter.com/B0rmsGwlxW

— Byron J. Hudtloff (@ByronHudtloff) March 24, 2017

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