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Two years ago today, Nicklas Backstrom scored in overtime of Game 5 to give the Capitals a 3-2 series lead over Columbus

By Ian Oland

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April 21, 2020 11:36 pm

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 was mobbed by his teammates whose celebratory hugs pushed the Swede’s helmet off the top of his head.

“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.”

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.

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.

“I honestly thought we got a little lucky today, but we’ll take it,” Backstrom said.

Full game highlights

Headline photo courtesy of the NHL

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