Nope, you weren’t dreaming. The Caps really did get multiple fortunate bounces to score a goal in double overtime against the Blue Jackets and pull back to within one game in the best of seven series. Lars Eller scored the game winner to cap off a strong fifth period performance for the hockey club from DC.
The Caps out-shot the Jackets 35-31 at five-on-five and also got the better of the shot attempts, 76-62.
- In terms of shots (both on goal and attempts) the game was really even throughout until the second overtime. The Caps tilted the ice in the fifth frame, out-attempting the Jackets 13-4 and out-shooting them 8-2.
- It’s not as if the Caps were running up shot totals on low quality chances either, as the Caps had eight scoring chances to the Jackets one in the fifth period and also got the better of the high-danger chances, 4-0.
- While the Jackets had eight scoring chances at five-on-five during overtime, none of them were high-danger scoring chances according to Natural Stat Trick.
- In the least shocking news ever, Alex Ovechkin attempted 13 shots, five more than any other player.
- The Caps third line tilted the ice, out-attempting the Jackets 26-13. Deservedly, they were on the ice for the game winning goal.
- Christian Djoos had himself a strong game, and was especially noticeable in the offensive zone during overtime. How someone can watch this guy and not think he deserves a jersey every game is beyond me.
- Dmitry Orlov skated a game-high 30:25, with his partner Matt Niskanen right behind at 30:19. For a game that went five periods, both coaches really managed the ice times well.
The Caps played well again and, this time, they were rewarded for not shooting themselves in the foot repeatedly. They will look to even up the series Thursday night in Columbus.
Headline image: Kirk Irwin
Stats via Natural Stat Trick and hockeystats.ca
