It had been seven years since the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals last met in the playoffs. That 2009 series was terribly entertaining and Thursday’s Game 1 was no different.
The Capitals won 4-3 in a game that went to overtime, something fans might want to get used to.
It may only be the second round, but the energy in this series feels more like a conference final. Not surprising considering the Caps and Pens are the current odds-on favourites to win the Stanley Cup.
Fans are eagerly anticipating Game 2, which goes down Saturday, but here are three things we learned in Game 1.
Wilson could get a call from the department of player safety
Tom Wilson is one of the hardest-hitting forwards in the NHL and always plays on the edge. However, he may have gone too far on this knee-on-knee collision with Conor Sheary.
Sheary remained in the game and Wilson has never been suspended, two factors that will come into play if the league is considering handing out supplemental discipline.
Oshie came to play
T.J. Oshie gained some serious street cred in Round 1 when he dropped the gloves Brayden Schenn, and his stock in Washington continues to soar as he was the hero Thursday. The winger completed the hat trick by scoring the OT winner.
Shades of Anson Carter’s gold medal win from the 2003 world championships, Oshie’s goal didn’t come without controversy.
From NHL hockey ops:
“At 9:33 of overtime in the Penguins/Capitals game, video review confirmed the referee’s call on the ice that T.J. Oshie’s shot completely crossed the Pittsburgh goal line. Therefore the referee’s call on the ice stands – good goal Washington.”
Beagle is a stick magnet
It was also a memorable night for Oshie’s teammate Jay Beagle, but for completely different reasons. Kris Letang’s stick was caught in Beagle’s helmet in the second period. In the third period, he drew a penalty on Phil Kessel when Kessel’s stick got stuck in Beagle’s skate.
Milestone of the night…
