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Washington Capitals Triumph In Overtime Over Toronto Maple Leafs

By Subir Nigam

Apr 23, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Washington Capitals players celebrate the overtime-winning goal scored by Marcus Johansson (not pictured) against the Toronto Maple Leafs in game six of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Capitals beat the Maple Leafs 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Washington Capitals players celebrate the overtime-winning goal scored by Marcus Johansson (not pictured) against the Toronto Maple Leafs in game six of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Capitals beat the Maple Leafs 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Capitals come out victorious in overtime to win the series and advance to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The first period had a choppy start. Both teams looked determined not to give up any high-quality scoring opportunities. It seemed like the best offensive chance would come from Toronto when they got the first powerplay of the evening, but it was nullified just 22 seconds into the PP when Tyler Bozak took a penalty on John Carlson which led to four-on-four play. Overall, both Washington and Toronto were good at limiting the opponent to just one chance before exiting the zone. After one period, the score remained tied at zero.

The second period consisted of many more scoring chances especially for the Caps who had some odd-man rushes as well as mini breakaways. Rolling pucks and some unlucky bounces thwarted several opportunities, though.

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Andre Burakovsky had some great shots from point blank range that were stonewalled by Andersen. Ovechkin also registered many shots on goal. The Maple Leafs had their own flurry of chances that was answered by Holtby. After two periods, a scoreless draw was where we remained.

The Seal is Broken

For the first time this series, the game entered the third period as a 0-0 draw. It would remain that way until Auston Matthews broke the seal almost 8 minutes into the period. The most unusual of bounces went Toronto’s way when they dumped the puck in. The puck bounced off the board at nearly a 90degree angle right onto Matthews stick who beat Holtby upstairs.

One word that came to mind after that goal includes “cursed”. It sure felt like the Caps were destined for a Game 7, but Marcus Johansson tied the game up with just 7 minutes left. A sharp angle shot squeaked through Andersen and over the goal line.

At this point, the rule “next goal wins” seemed to be applied. Fans of both teams had to hold their breath various times as great scoring chances kept coming in waves with the final minutes counting down in regulation.

Like clock work, this game would go to overtime and would start with over a minute of 4v4 play.

The Finishing Touch

As OT began, you could see how hungry the Capitals were to win the game. They would do just that less than seven minutes in, as Johansson scored his second goal of the game and won the series.

It started when Washington won the offensive zone draw and worked the puck so that Justin Williams could take an angled shot. Andersen made the save off his right pad, but the rebound laid for Johansson who flicked the puck into the corner of the net.

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Jubilation ensued from the Capitals players and bench as the extremely hard-fought and evenly played series came to a close. Washington won the game 2-1 and won the series 4-2 after being down 2-1 after 3 games. The Caps will now look to avenge last season’s playoff exit as they will take on the Penguins in Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

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