The two teams traded just roughly a dozen shots in the first frame, but the big moment came with two and half minutes remaining. Columbus winger Josh Anderson boarded Washington’s Michal Kempny high, and Kempy was helped off the ice and down the tunnel. For his trouble, Ol’ Josh was awarded a 5-minute major and a game misconduct, and an early trip to the showers.
On the ensuing power play, the Capitals scored TWICE. T.J. Oshie struck first, crashing the net and redirecting home a Nicklas Backstrom assist. It was challenged for goalie interference and stood. Then, mere moments later and with the major penalty still in effect, Evgeny Kuznetsov cashed in a dagger of a wrister from the left circle to make it 2-0 Caps at the break.
Second period ahead…