Game 1 Recap: Caps 4 Pens 3 OT (WSH leads series 1-0)

In a series that is sure to be back and forth Game 1 didn't disappoint. Both teams had leads, both teams came back from being down. In the end they would need overtime, where T.J Oshie would score to give the Caps Game 1.

My Thoughts:

*The Caps had a bit of a slow start but picked their game up midway through the 1st period when Andre Burakovsky scored his first goal of the playoffs off a rebound to give the Caps a 1-0 lead. The play actually started by Burkie making a great defense play that lead to the rush, Jason Chimera and John Carlson got the assists.

*The Pens came roaring back as Ben Lovejoy and Evgeni Malkin scored to give the Pens a 2-1 lead. However, 33 seconds after Malkin tied the game T.J Oshie came down the right wing and fired a shot top shelf to be to beat Matt Murray to tie the game at 2.

*T.J Oshie wasn't done as he opening the third period with a goal to give the Caps a 3-2 lead. Alex Ovechkin got the assist. For Oshie it was his 3rd of the playoffs.


*The Pens kept coming however and Nick Bonino would tie the game 3-3 and the game would go to overtime.

*9:33 into overtime T.J Oshie made a great play and wrapped the puck around the net and tucked it in past Matt Murray. After a replay the puck did go in by maybe 2 inches, regardless it would be a hat trick goal for Oshie and the Caps would take Game 1.

*I thought the Caps played ok, the Pens outshot the Caps 45-35, which was a bit much even with the game going into overtime. Braden Holtby was good but the Pens found ways to score.


*The Caps power play couldn't find the back of the net but I did like that they were shooting the puck for the most part on the chances they got. The PK was very good once again, which is impressive because the Pens PP has been lights out in the postseason.

*Dmitry Orlov had a tough night as he just made a few mistakes, so Barry Trotz and Todd Reirden had 5 defensemen play for most of the 3rd period and all of overtime.

*Overall this game was a good one, it was back and forth and the intensity was there. Like I have said in my opinion getting out to a lead in this series was very important. It wasn't pretty but at the end of the day the Caps found a way to win. This series is going to be a good one thats for sure.


What's Next: Game 2 Saturday April 30th vs. Pittsburgh 8:00 p.m on NBC