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Washington Capitals: Top 10 greatest moments in franchise history

By Michael Marzzacco

Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Dale Hunter, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport
Dale Hunter, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport /

#4 Dale Hunter’s heroics

Back in 1988 the Capitals were against the Flyers in the Patrick Division semifinals. It was a historic night at the Capital Centre as Dale Hunter delivered in overtime.

Tim Kerr put the Flyers up 1-0 in the first period and the Capitals would have to overcome a 3-0 deficit after the Flyers added second period goals from Brian Propp and Mark Howe. The Caps got on the board at 6:42 with a goal from Garry Galley. At 8:02 they closed the gap to one with a goal from Kelly Miller. Then at 17:54, Kevin Hatcher tied the game.

The Caps took the lead at 5:19 in the third period with a power play goal from Hunter before Brad Marsh answered at 6:21. The game would require overtime.

In the overtime period, Larry Murphy found Hunter all alone. Hunter finished the breakaway with a goal to give the Caps the series win. It was one of the best Game 7s in franchise history.

For a team that has experienced playoff heartbreak in years past, this Game 7 win was huge for the franchise as they looked for more playoff success in the 90s and 2000s. This was easily the top moment of the 1980s.

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