Capitals vs. Blue Jackets Game Three Recap: Eller is Overtime Hero

The Capitals traveled to Ohio in need of a win to avoid falling into a 3 to 0 hole in the series. And despite some roller coaster play on the way there Washington won their first of the series thanks to a Lars Eller overtime winner.

Here’s Tuesday night's Plus/Minus:

Plus: Coming into Nationwide Arena down two games in the series and tallying the first goal of the contest.

Minus: Unfortunately Washington gave up two separate leads in less than ten minutes of play per (5:26 and 9:29). This team can’t play confidently while ahead.

Ten more notes on the game.

1. Tom Wilson began his night by taking a penalty away from play, forcing his teammates to bail him out in the first period.
2. But early in the second period Wilson made up for his error. Occupying the slot above Sergei Bobrovsky Wilson deflected a Matt Niskanen wrist shot around the Blue Jackets’ netminder.
3. Two minutes later Connolly extended Washington’s lead to two by banging home a loose puck atop the crease. A scramble in the slot and a fortunate bounce put the biscuit on Brett’s blade and he buried it.
4. But Columbus Head Coach John Tortorella challenged Connolly’s goal and the Blue Jackets were rewarded. Previous the to tally Connolly skated into the offensive zone an inch ahead of the puck, negating the rest the play.
5. And Pierre-Luc Dubois would immediately tie the contest a few minutes later. The Blue Jackets’ rookie ripped a high and hard shot over Braden Holtby’s glove to bring Nationwide Arena to their feet.
6. Late in the middle frame Columbus took back-to-back minor penalties, affording Washington 54 seconds with a two man advantage. Nicklas Backstrom and John Carlson quickly connected with the latter blasting a one-touched slap shot up and over Bobrovsky’s right shoulder.
7. Less than five minutes into the final frame Artemi Panerin and Cam Atkinson connected on a two on one. The pair passed the puck around Carlson with precision before Panerin potted the tying goal.
8. Tonight’s irresponsible third period penalty went to Brooks Orpik, whistled for Interference because of careless contact with Nick Foligno in neutral. The Capitals’ penalty killers took care of business but it was the direct result of repeated reckless play.
9. The rest of regulation would play scoreless, leading to the series’ third consecutive overtime contest. The first overtime period afforded both teams some good offensive chances but neither could end it.
10. And in the second overtime frame it was Eller ending it for Washington by slamming home a loose puck in the crease.