On April 21, 2018, Nicklas Backstrom scored twice, including the game-winning tally in overtime, to give the Washington Capitals a thrilling victory in Game 5 of their first-round series against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The win gave the Capitals a 3-2 series lead – one they would never relinquish.
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Backstrom scored the thrilling goal by redirecting a Dmitry Orlov shot in the slot.
BACKSTROM WINS THE GAME! WASHINGTON LEADS THE SERIES! #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/CWG2BJIcja
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 21, 2018
Backstrom was mobbed by his teammates whose celebratory hugs pushed the Swede’s helmet off the top of his head.
Wonder what it's like to be inside that OTGWG celebration on ice? Here you go. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/V2gLD5lYrd
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 21, 2018
“It’s usually what happens in the playoffs: tip goals or rebound goals,” Backstrom said of the game-winner. “That’s the way it is. It was nice.”
Hear from the OT Hero – @backstrom19! #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/cU8icBOFlC
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 21, 2018
On this faithful day, the second line of Backstrom, TJ Oshie, and Chandler Stephenson, put up six points, including three goals (Oshie scored on the PP). Saturday was the first time in this series the second line had scored during five-on-five play.
.@backstrom19 CALLED BANK! #CapsJackets #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/A0Ij21K2wF
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 21, 2018
THE @TJOshie77 PPG DEFLECTION IN FRONT! #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/odavJUYnIx
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 21, 2018
At this point in the series, the Capitals had won three straight games after losing the first two of the series at home to Columbus.
Game 5 #CapsJackets 3 ⭐️'s of the Game :
⭐️: @backstrom19
⭐️⭐️: CBJ #11 Matt Calvert
⭐️⭐️⭐️: @Holts170 pic.twitter.com/ammLgupqDj— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 21, 2018
“I honestly thought we got a little lucky today, but we’ll take it,” Backstrom said.
Our City. Our Team. Our Time. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/ioUPkQyMo6
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 21, 2018
Full game highlights
Headline photo courtesy of the NHL