It’s no secret that the Capitals are in must-win mode, needing every point available to potentially sneak into the playoffs. That desperation was (for the most part) on display in yesterday’s matinee against the visiting Penguins, but by late in the third period, the Caps were still clinging to just a one-goal lead that simply didn’t feel that secure, regardless of the clinic Logan Thompson was putting on in net. They needed some breathing room.
Enter Connor McMichael.
The Penguins were set up in the Caps’ zone, and Pittsburgh’s Egor Chinakhov took a shot toward the net that went wide of Thompson. The rebound bounced off the boards and fortunately landed right on the tape of McMichael, who immediately took off down the ice, passing it over to Ryan Leonard to kick off the ensuing two-on-one. Leonard made a fabulous pass back to McMichael (thankfully – and noticeably – checking that he was onside first), and with Kris Letang unable to get back in time (a movie we’ve seen a time or two over the years) and Chinakhov backtracking to cover Leonard, McMichael was left alone with the goalie.
A little zig, a little zag, and a backhander through the pads of Stuart Skinner, and the Caps had a crucial two-point lead with less than five minutes to go in regulation:
McMichael would add another goal on the empty net to seal the deal, but his first goal of the game was incredibly important for the team – and you could practically feel the relief in the building as the crowd erupted to celebrate.
One more on the docket before all is said and done…although we may know more about the Caps’ potential playoff chances later tonight. Hang onto your butts, babes. This ain’t over yet.