The Tampa Bay Lightning scored two power-play goals in the first period after officials whistled the Capitals for two questionable calls, giving the Bolts a 2-1 lead going into intermission. The Caps did not wilt or feel sorry for themselves. Instead, they came back with a vengeance.
Two minutes and fifty seconds into the second period, Alex Chiasson hit Devante Smith-Pelly to tie the game 2-2. The Capitals would later strike twice in the second period’s final minute-and-two-seconds to take a 4-2 lead into the break. The Lightning came out sluggish and defeated in the third period. The Capitals poured it on.
In total, the Capitals scored five unanswered goals after falling behind in the first period. This team is playing with confidence. It has a killer instinct and going for the jugular. This is beautiful hockey.
Devante Smith-Pelly goal
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DSP TIES IT UP! #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/yf5yg8hhWd
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) May 14, 2018
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The Chiasson to Smith-Pelly goal was a work of art. Chaser sent a saucer pass to DSP, who one-timed the puck past Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy. 2-2. Tie game.
Lars Eller goal
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Persistence pays off! #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/NhnM8Hw8YC
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) May 14, 2018
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With 1:02 remaining in the second, Larry went into #TigerMode, one-timing a Jakub Vrana pass to the back of the net from the slot. The goal was Eller’s fifth tally of the postseason and Vrana’s fourth golden delicious apple. Caps lead 3-2.
Evgeny Kuznetsov PP goal
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KUZY MAKES IT 4-2 WITH 2.9 REMAINING IN THE 2ND! #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/pzd9MG8V5m
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) May 14, 2018
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59 seconds later and with only 2.9 left on the clock, Kuzy sent a centering pass to Eller, camped out in the crease. Instead of finding Larry, Kuznetsov hit pay dirt as Vasilevskiy knocked the puck into the net while trying to deflect it away. Caps lead 4-2.
Alex Ovechkin goal
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Beautiful work from Kuzy to Ovi on the 2-on-1. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/5S6IfIE9AW
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) May 14, 2018
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To the third period! This play was all made possible due to Tom Wilson. The burly winger chipped the puck past a pinching Bolts defenseman, giving two of the most dangerous players in the game a two-on-one break. Kuzy went to his backhand to find Ovechkin, who made sure to rip the shot over Vasilevskiy’s pad. 5-2 Caps.
Brett Connolly goal
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GREAT BEARD, GREAT GOAL @bconnolly8 #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/BlYYh5fsnO
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) May 14, 2018
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Conns concluded the scoring, putting a prayer on net and finding the top corner of the net. The goal was Connolly’s third of the postseason. He was a frequent-scratch during last year’s playoff run.
