Game 7 Recap: Caps 2 Islanders 1 (WSH wins series 4-3)

 The Caps played an inspired game last night hold the Islanders to only 11 shots on net. However, in the third period the Caps would still find themselves tied with the season on the line. That's when a young star in the making made a difference. Evgeny Kuznetsov would score on just a brilliant play at the 12:42 mark of the period. The Caps would hold on to advance to the second round against the New York Rangers. Here are the highlights of what was a great night for Caps fans.

Caps/Isles Game 7:

My Thoughts:

*The Caps set the tone on the first shift with a couple chances. The line of Tom Wilson, Brooks Laich, and Curtis Glencross did a good job on that first shift. Glencross returned to the lineup and played pretty well. He had a great chance in the second period but missed the puck.

*Alex Ovechkin played well with his physical style but in the 2nd period he made a great cross ice pass to Brooks Orpik who put the puck on net for Joel Ward to clean up the rebound to put the Caps ahead. Joel Ward had a great series and it was nice to see him get rewarded.

*The Caps continued to put pressure on Halak all game even though he was playing great. He robbed Jay Beagle which would have been the go ahead goal.

*Evgeny Kuznetsov again is playing like the player we thought he could ultimately become when they drafted him back in the summer of 2010. Not only did he score but it was a great effort to spin from the defender, and then have the patience to hold the puck till Halak gave him an opening, then to bury the puck in that moment was huge. Kuzzy, is coming of age.

*The Caps effort all game was great, they played fast, heavy, and smart all game. The only penalty was called on John Carlson late in the game which was a head scratcher in a Game 7, however the Caps penalty kill would come up huge once again. The Caps were basically shorthanded the last three minutes of the game.

*Overall this was a great night to be a Caps fan. The team responded to adversity and even though Jaro Halak tried to work his playoff magic again, the Caps would not be denied. A great series between evenly matched teams would be a difference of one goal during seven games. The Islanders won what would be the last game at Nassau Coliseum. The building has seen it's last game as the Caps will see the Islanders at Barclays Center in Brooklyn next season.

*The Caps will have today off I believe and practice is scheduled for Wednesday, I will post the 2nd round series schedule against the Rangers when it is available but it looks like it will start Thursday.


What's Next: 2nd Round vs. New York Rangers TBD