The New York Islanders took a 1-0 lead over the Capitals less than three minutes into the game.
Except upon replay, Tom Kuhnhackl’s breakaway goal probably should not have counted because the Islanders were offside.
An obscure rule prevented the Capitals from challenging.
Barry Trotz was familiar with early playoff exits even before he came to the Washington Capitals. It took fifteen seasons coaching the Nashville Predators, and three with the Capitals, before Trotz made it to the Stanley Cup Final.
After winning Game Three in double-overtime against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Trotz had a hunch that the Capitals could be onto something special.
“I think my coaching staff thought I was a little bit crazy,” Trotz told Jonathan Bombulie of TribLive on Tuesday. “We scored that overtime goal in Columbus in Game Three and I said, ‘We’re going to win the Cup this year.’ And we did. I’m not Nostradamus or anything, but you have a feeling.”
By Brennin Weiswerda 12 months ago
With the Capitals down 5-2 late in the third period, enforcer Tom Wilson looked to give his team energy and send a message to the Penguins.
Instead Wilson would be sent to the showers early.
If you don’t remember how to swear because of a hockey game, here’s a short story about Tom Kuhnhackl and Braden Holtby.
