Nicklas Backstrom scored at 2:56 (assisted by Marcus Johansson) into the second overtime this afternoon as the Washington Capitals took Game 2, 2-1 at TD Garden. The series is now even at one and Boston has their hands full.
Let's start with the fact that Braden Holtby (43 saves) followed up his great Game 1 performance with an even better one. Benoit Pouliot tied it at one with 7:47 left in regulation which means that in the first two games, only him and Chris Kelly have scored goals for the B's. Not Tyler Seguin, Brad Marchand, David Krejci, Milan Lucic, Patrice Bergeron, etc. That has to change, fast.
Tim Thomas (37 saves) played very well and he was screened on the game-winner plus it was a fluttering puck.
After a scoreless first period, you could feel that this would be another low-scoring affair after Game 1 was 1-0 in OT. Troy Brouwer broke the deadlock with 2:03 left in the second period on a bizarre play. The puck rolled in on Thomas and he tried to cover it up but he couldn't. Brouwer was there to sweep the gift in, with Alex Ovechkin and Karl Alzner getting the assists.
Typical of Pouliot, his goal was a beauty as he beat Holtby to a loose puck and was able to poke it by him before they bumped into each other. Brian Rolston and Chris Kelly (only guys on the Bruins with multiple points, really) assisted on the electrifying goal which woke up the Garden.
There is no need to panic since the Bruins for the most part are playing fine. Still, you can't help but realize that they could as easily be down 2-0 in this series as they could be up 2-0. I guess 1-1 is fitting. Washington is much more committed to defense than I ever would have imagined and Holtby is legit. It would really help the Bruins if they can get a lead (something they haven't had yet) in Game 3 and make the Capitals play from behind, something Boston excels at (holding leads).
The series shifts to D.C. and Game 3 is Monday night at 7:30 p.m. (NESN).
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