We’ve got good news and we’ve got bad news. The good news is that Jakub Vrana has scored his first career playoff goal. The bad news is that the Capitals have a two-goal lead. That might sound like more good news to some people, but you know this team too well for that.
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.@JVranaa's First #StanleyCup Playoff Goal (and a goalie assist for #HoltBeast)! #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/Pt7U9Jkqu4
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 29, 2018
Here’s the play. Lars Eller had control low in the Pens zone, but it’s Vrana who brings it home with a smooth drive to the net.
Vrana chipped the puck over Matt Murray’s glove.
The Czech forward pumped his first before doing an cool and calm Ovi jump into the boards.
Braden Holtby recorded an assist on the goal, his first of the postseason and the third of his playoffs career.
Vrana scored 13 goals and recorded 14 assists in 73 games as a bottom-six forward this season. He was a healthy scratch for nine games.
The goal was nearly overturned after a challenge from the Penguins for goalie interference.
After consulting Rule 69 (yes) from the rulebook, the officials decided that Brett Connolly’s contact with Matt Murray, a slash to the pad, was incidental to the play and did not impair the goalkeeper’s ability to move freely within his crease.
Unfortunately, the Caps lead the Penguins 2-0 after one period, which has previously been a Bad Thing.
Congratulations, Jake.
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