50 Shades of GrEight: Washington Topples Lighting 6-3
The Washington Capitals took on the Tampa Bay Lightning in a much-anticipated final match-up between the Eastern conference finalists from last season. In a game that never felt incredibly close, the Capitals defeated Tampa by the score of 6-3.
1st Period
The Capitals got the scoring started with 7 minutes in. Nick Backstrom beat Andrei Vasilevskey after a great pass from Tom Wilson.
T.J. Oshie continued the surge by the Caps with a goal of his own, winning a net front battle and beating Vasilevskey’s right pad.
Oshbabe got his second goal of the period, deflecting a John Carlson wrist shot.
2nd Period
Backstrom tallied his second goal of the game 8 minutes into the second period. A fantastic net drive by Dmitri Orlov, that featured numerous slick stick-handling moves, led to a Backstrom backdoor goal to increase the lead to 4.
J.T. Miller got the Lightning on the board in the final 3 minutes, tipping a Mikail Sergachev snapshot from the blue line.
3rd Period
Tyler Johnson recorded an unassisted breakaway goal to bring Tampa within 2.
With 6 minutes left in the game, it finally happened. Alex Ovechkin took a one-timer from the circles that gave Ovechkin his 50th of the year.
A power play goal from Ovi 2 minutes later gave the Capitals a 6-2 lead, and Alex’s 51st.
Kucherov tallied the final goal on a sick power play goal.
Great Eight Thoughts
- Oshbabe gets his 24th and 25th. Backstrom got his 20th and 21st. 7 20-goal scorers for the Capitals.
- There was visible frustration on Ovechkin’s face trying to get that 50th goal. It finally happened and it was so great. What a freaking career by Ovechkin. Truly a gift watching him play.
- Holtby and the defense teamed up for a great effort shutting down Tampa. I feel really good about this matchup if it comes in the playoffs.
- Lots of fighting in this game. Love a gnarly, hateful rivalry. Wilson killed Cernak.
- Backstrom is the only active skater with 4 straight seasons of 20+ goals and 50+ assists.
- That Tom Wilson contract doesn’t look so bad, does it friends? Almost 40 points in 59 games.
- Orlov has really stepped up his game. Super-dynamic and strong defensively.
- Next up is Florida on Monday. One more win and we’re locked in.
