051921 | RMNB

So much for Ilya Samsonov’s shot at redemption

As Chris said, the Washington Capitals played pretty darn well against the Boston Bruins in regulation of Game Three. With nine minutes left in rego, the Caps had a lead and roughly an 80 percent chance to win the game. A win in Game Three would have given the Caps somewhere around a 7-in-10 chance to win the series, except obviously that didn’t happen. Marchand got that gritty goal to force OT, and then the Bruins took over.

Still, until Smith’s wraparound, the Caps had a coin-toss’s chance to get that pivotal win. Pivotal is the part I need to emphasize, as it’s hard to overstate how bad the Justin Schultz–Ilya Samsonov goof-up was.

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By Peter Hassett 2 years ago

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In a hole: numbers for the morning after

The Washington Capitals have now found themselves in a 2-1 series hole as they could not find a way to an overtime winner for the second game in a row against the Boston Bruins. Game Three ended with Boston on top 3-2.

The Bruins outshot the Caps 43 to 37 and out-attempted them at five-on-five 63 to 55.

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By Chris Cerullo 2 years ago

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Peter Laviolette started Ilya Samsonov in Game Three because ‘him and Vitek were the guys that got us here’

Peter Laviolette started a third different goaltender in as many games Wednesday night against the Boston Bruins. Laviolette chose to sit 39-year-old Craig Anderson in favor of Ilya Samsonov, who the team had suspended for disciplinary reasons only 16 days ago.

Samsonov was sensational in his first game since May 1, shutting down a long five-on-three Bruins power play and making 40 saves on the night. But it was Samsonov’s miscommunication with Justin Schultz in the second overtime that ultimately cost Washington the game.

Afterward, Laviolette explained his decision to go back to the 24-year-old Russian.

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By Ian Oland 2 years ago

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Miscommunication between Ilya Samsonov and Justin Schultz leads to Bruins’ double OT goal, Alex Ovechkin fuming at the bench

The Washington Capitals are now down 2-1 in their first-round series against the Boston Bruins after another careless play in the defensive zone.

Wednesday, Ilya Samsonov and Justin Schultz miscommunicated behind the net allowing Bruins forward Craig Smith to pick up the loose puck and score easily on a wraparound. The goal, which came 5:48 into the second overtime, gave the Bruins’ a 3-2 victory.

Meanwhile, the goal left Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin fuming at the bench.

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By Ian Oland 2 years ago

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Bruins beat Caps 3-2 in yet another overtime

A ragged Washington Capitals team shipped up to Boston for yet another playoff game against the Bruins that needed longer than an hour to decide.

After a first period without goals, scoring began as all scoring should, off the stick of Alex Ovechkin. Taylor Hall replied less than a minute later, beating goalie Ilya Samsonov by roofing it from up close. Before the period was up, the great Nic Dowd gave Washington the lead.

On a power play, Brad Marchand tied the game with eight minutes left in regulation, once again delivering us all to overtime. The first overtime period found the Bruins getting most of the puck time, with Samsonov keeping the Caps in it until intermission.

In double OT, Schultz and Samsonov goofed up behind the goal line, blowing it.

Caps lose. Bruins lead the series 2-1.

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By Peter Hassett 2 years ago

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Alex Ovechkin scores 800th goal of his career if you count both regular season and postseason tallies

Alex Ovechkin is finally on the board in the Capitals-Bruins’ first-round series.

The Capitals’ captain scored on a second-period power play after a splendid set up by Anthony Mantha near the crease.

It was only the third goal of the series from a player in the Capitals’ top six.

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By Ian Oland 2 years ago

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Caps at Bruins, Game Three: Open thread

This is your open thread to discuss Game Three between the Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals. Have at it below.

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By Peter Hassett 2 years ago

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Ilya Samsonov tabbed to start Game Three, Lars Eller out due to injury

The Washington Capitals are making a goalie change ahead of Game Three.

Ilya Samsonov, who spent nearly two weeks on the COVID-19 Unavailability List before returning to the team on Sunday, will get the start against the Boston Bruins, replacing 39-year-old Craig Anderson in net.

Anderson won Game One in relief of Vitek Vanecek who got injured in the first period. Anderson started Game Two but lost 4-3 in overtime.

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By Ian Oland 2 years ago

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Caps at Bruins pregame: 6:30 start

Game Three and the Caps have headed up to Boston to continue their series against the Bruins. The series is all tied up at 1-1 and both games have ended in overtime. I wasn’t super nervous going into this game (let’s face it we’ve been in way more stressful situations), but after seeing TJ Oshie and Vitek Vanecek missing the morning skate? I don’t feel amazing!

Puck drop is a tad earlier, at 6:30 PM and Pete will have your recap.

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By Elyse Bailey 2 years ago

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