In what was a huge playoff implicated game Tuesday night in Detroit with the playoffs within reach. Especially with the boys coming into the game on a terrible 6 game losing streak it felt like a must win in my opinion.
The playoff percentages with a win or loss had large differences.
Win in regulation gives the Caps a 43% chance to make the playoffs, but if they were to lose they would have only had a 9.7% chance to make the dance. Pretty crazy how big one game can be.
After an uneventful and plain and simple lackluster first period the Caps were able to survive enough to keep the game tied at zeros going into the 2nd period.
There was a bunch of back and forth for most of the 2nd until our top goal scorers got the good guys on the board.
It started with Dylan Strome with two minutes remaining in the period. After a failed clearing attempt that was stopped by Fehervary who fed Strome who then ripped a wrister by the right faceoff circle past the Wing’s goalie to give the Caps a much needed 1-0 lead!
This marks Strome’s 27th goal of the season and the 300th point of his career.
Then with 7 seconds left in the 2nd on the offensive transition Oshie moved to center ice banking the puck off the left board to a charging Ovechkin who ripped a vintage Ovi wrist-shot which beat the Wings goalie short side to give the Capitals a 2-0 lead going into the 3rd with some breathing room.
Ovechkin has scored 22 goals in his last 32 games, and is the first player in NHL history to record 18 seasons with at least 30 goals passing former Capital Mike Gartner. (no big deal)
Patrick Kane was able to ruin the Charlie Lindgren shutout late in the 3rd period, but aside from that big game Lindgren showed TF up! He had 42 saves and easily stole the game for us last night given the terrible 1st period his guys put out in front of him in that period.
The Capitals are now back in a playoff spot with a one point lead over Pittsburgh and Detroit. As easy as it is to say it if the boys win their remaining 4 games vs the Sabres, Lightning, Bruins, and Flyers they will be in the playoffs. Control your own destiny is the motto these remaining games. Also, since Tampa and Boston have clinched I wouldn’t be shocked if they rested some of there guys, but we just have to see about that. So buckle up Cap’s fans these last 4 will be seat clenchers.
The Morning Skate 