In the playoffs, each individual matchup and each individual battle is important. That’s why I’m bringing you this crucial footage of Toronto Maple Leafs forward Leo Komarov and Washington Capitals veteran Justin Williams irritating each other during a second-period faceoff.
Despite experts and analysts and pundits predicting a short series or even a sweep between the Leafs and Caps, this team knew better. Facing a fast, young team with a special rookie scorer, a hot goaltender, and maybe the sport’s best coach, Washington didn’t underestimate their foe.
So when that foe defeated them on home ice on Saturday night, it wasn’t the humbling of an arrogant giant who expected to trounce their first round opponent. Instead, the Caps’ loss, like most things in this silly sport, was the product of some crummy luck.
By Peter Hassett 6 years ago
In their victory in Game One, the Caps came out flat but got better as the game went on. Game Two was a different story as the Caps looked like the much better team in the opening minutes. But the good start wasn’t enough as the Caps fell in double OT and now head to Toronto tied one game apiece.
Regardless of what you think about the Caps’ effort and results in the first two games, it’s impossible to not be impressed by the Leafs. Not given much of a chance by anyone before the playoffs began, the Leafs have proven they are going to make this a series.
Here’s a look at some numbers from Saturday’s loss.
By Patrick Holden 6 years ago
The Toronto Maple Leafs are already without defenseman Nikita Zaitsev. Now they will be without one of their best blueliners for the rest of the postseason.
Roman Polak, who averaged 17:55 of ice time for the Leafs this season, was injured in the second period after absorbing a huge bodycheck from Brooks Orpik.
You didn’t really think it would be that easy, did you? We said this would be a fun series, not a breeze. The Toronto Maple Leafs are too fast and too feisty for that.
Once again, Toronto got the game’s first goal, a JVR score on a broken play. Alex Ovechkin got involved in the offense in the second, notching a PPG from the Ovi Spot. A John Carlson slapshot put the Caps up, but Kasperi Kapanen got a lucky bounce, then Morgan Rielly got a sneaky screened wristshot through to give the Leafs a 3-2 lead entering the third.
It took more than ten minutes in that final frame, but a ferocious shift by the top line finally scored as Nick Backstrom found daylight behind Freddy Andersen to tie the game and force overtime, again.
Overtime was like getting beat over the head by a tube sock full of nickels, but you liked it somehow? Without a decision, double overtime ensued, which is the like the first one except the sock is on fire this time. Then, John Carlson lost his stick and Kapanen ended the night.
Leafs beat Caps 4-3 in double overtime. Series is tied at 1.
By Peter Hassett 6 years ago
The Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs just went to overtime for the second straight game.
Late in the first OT, CSN cameras found a nervous fan with her hands covering her face. She was a nervous wreck.
Nicklas Backstrom is normally a reserved and emotionless hockey player. Saturday night, after the Swedish Center tied the game, Backstrom went nuts.
The Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs have been playing exciting run-and-gun hockey in their first round matchup, trading tough hits along the way. On Saturday night, fun hockey turned into something we never want to see.
In the middle of the second period, Toronto defenseman Roman Polak entered the offensive zone with puck. Unfortunately for him, Brooks Orpik was there waiting for him, dishing out a powerful, clean bodycheck after Polak crossed the blueline.
Warning: this is tough to watch.
By Chris Gordon 6 years ago
The Caps have taken the lead in Game Two thanks to — and I hope you’re sitting down — a John Carlson slapshot.
I know, right?!
Everybody, please welcome Alex Ovechkin to the 2017 playoffs. In the second period of the second game of the first round, Ovi booked a cruise to Ovi Island, where not a single Leaf could be found.
Cue the pass. Cue the goal.
