Capitals: Jakub Vrana comes up clutch in NHL 20 simulation against Penguins
It was another exciting Washington Capitals game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in NHL 20.
After a big overtime win yesterday, the Washington Capitals have gained a 2-1 lead in the series thanks to a clutch goal late in the game by Jakub Vrana with 1:44 left.
Both teams played to a scoreless first period with the Pittsburgh Penguins outshooting the Capitals 8-3. The Penguins also outhit the Caps 9-1.
Both teams traded goals in the second period. Tom Wilson put the Caps up 1-0 much to the delight of the Pittsburgh crowd (sarcasm) by playing the puck along the boards and then coming up for the shot. It was his second goal of the playoffs. Jakub Vrana had the apple.
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The Penguins tied it at 19:05 with a goal from Joseph Bladisi. Sam Lefferty and Juuso Riikola had the assists. 1-1 was the score through two periods. The Caps outshot the Penguins 9-6 in the second period and were outshot 14-12 overall through two.
At 7:07 the Caps regained the lead with a blast by Dmitry Orlov from downtown for his second goal of the playoffs. John Carlson and Nicklas Backstrom had the helpers.
At the 10 minute mark, the Penguins tied it with a goal from Zach Aston-Reese. Justin Schultz had the assist.
At 18:16, approximately 1:44 to go, Vrana gave the Caps the lead with a rebound goal off the boards in front of the net for his sixth goal of the playoffs. Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin had the assists.
The Caps held off a late Pens rally with Braden Holtby making a save in the end to stand tall. The Penguins outshot the Capitals 9-7 in the third period and 23-19 overall. Holtby made 21 saves out of those 23 shots he faced for a .913 save percentage.
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Can the Caps go up 3-1 in the series and win another game in Pittsburgh? Check back tomorrow to find out.