Plus: Alex Ovechkin scored his 31st goal of the season and 853rd of his career in the first period to put the Washington Capitals on the board first. That puts him 41 (!) goals away from tying Wayne Gretzky’s record.
Minus: Tonight’s win means your heart rates don’t get a rest quite yet—buckle up for some playoff hockey!
Key Moment: TJ Oshie scored the empty net goal with 3:00 to go in the third, sealing the deal for Washington’s playoff dreams.
With tonight’s win, the Capitals are officially playoff bound.
Caps Player of the Game: Charlie Lindgren once again saved the rest of his team, especially in the second period. After the Flyers tied the game with 7:31 left in the middle frame, they continued to put the pressure on and had the Caps chasing the game. Fortunately for Washington, Chuck was ready for anything and kept the score tied at one goal apiece after 40. He then continued to stand tall in the third period, helping propel his team to the playoffs.
Final Thoughts: If you’d asked any Capitals fan or hockey reporter back in October if they thought Washington would have even been in this Game 82 situation, they probably would have laughed. The fact that they even got here, what with their injury situation and horrible mid-season slump, is impressive. Buckle up for the postseason, boys and girls and babes.
Up next for Washington: the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs and a series with the New York Rangers.