Capitals Win Behind T.J. Oshie’s Hat Trick

Game 1 of the much anticipated second round playoff series between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals lived up to its billing, at least in terms of excitement and entertainment for the fans. Sure, it wasn’t textbook hockey the way it should be as the analysts pointed out during the second intermission –too many fundamental mistakes, missed opportunities, etc. etc, and even Alex Ovechkin said he made “stupid moves” in failing to convert on a pair of breakaways– but who doesn’t enjoy a playoff game that goes into overtime?

Ovechkin had an assist in the game but didn’t score a goal. As is often the case on excellent teams, someone else stepped up. T. J. Oshie was up to the challenge. Oshie tied the score with a goal in the second period, and scored again in the third to give the Capitals the lead. Pittsburgh’s Nick Bonino tied it up, and the regulation ended with the score 3-3. Oshie scored his third goal of the game in overtime to win it 4-3.

The Penguins will try to even the series in Game 2 on Saturday night, April 30th.