After 15 dreary minutes of Vegas domination in Game One, the Caps have come alive. Leading the way are Brett Connolly and Nicklas Backstrom, each recording their fifth goal of the playoffs.
Brett Connolly goal
Kempny Rip – Conno Tip! #ALLCAPS #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/ofqaNifDOU
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) May 29, 2018
The Caps just couldn’t get their attack going in the first period. The Knights forecheck was nonstop, and the Caps’ breakout was a little sloppy. The only line that had seen any good offensive-zone time was the Eller line, featuring Brett Connolly, who owned the Caps’ only shot on goal for most of the period. After Colin Miller’s slapshot put the Caps in a one-goal hole early, Connolly stepped up. He planted himself in front of the net.
As Michal Kempny’s shot came tumbling towards him, Connolly made a subtle touch to redirect it to the back of the net.
Nicklas Backstrom goal
BOYS ARE BUZZIN! Backy makes it 2-1, Washington! pic.twitter.com/1AXWQblHSY
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) May 29, 2018
A couple minutes later, Nicklas Backstrom, he of nine normal fingers and one profoundly jacked up bratwurst of a broken finger, made just the most precious backhand you’ve ever seen to put Washington in the lead.
Oshie and Vrana got the assists.
It’s 2-2 after twenty minutes.
