Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
#2: Hunter’s breakaway game seven goal puts Caps over Flyers
The most iconic moment in Washington Capitals history happened on April 16th, 1988 when Capitals center Dale Hunter scored on Ron Hextall in game seven to help the Capitals advance past the Flyers in the playoffs. This was a huge win for the Capitals because it re-energized a team that had begun to start slipping. One could say this game helped keep the Caps in the nation’s capital.
The Caps had a sub-par regular season. They finished with a below .500 point percentage and barely managed to get into the playoffs. Capitals fans were starting to get concerned as the team started to look like they have run out of gas after an impressive run in the early to mid 80’s. To make matters worse, the Caps had to face the heavily favored Flyers in the first round.
The Flyers quickly jumped out to a 3-1 series lead, but the Washington Capitals would not give up. They stormed through the Flyers in games five and six to force a winner takes all game seven. The Flyers stormed out of the gate, quieting the home Capitals Center crowd with an early 3-0 lead. The Caps showed their resiliency by fighting back to tie the game at four and force overtime.
Dale Hunter ended it for the Caps in overtime with a breakaway goal. He fired the puck five-hole past future Hall of Fame goaltender Ron Hextall to perhaps save the Capitals and re-energize a hungry fan base.
Next: Number One: Caps Go To The Stanley Cup Finals