Final Score: Capitals 3 – Blue Jackets 2
Game Summary
This series is going to give fans of both teams some serious heart problems. These games couldn’t be any more stressful/exciting. Three straight overtime games, with this one needing double OT. This game was officially the longest game in franchise history and unfortunately the Jackets were on the losing end.
The Jackets played a solid first period for the first time in the series. They didn’t score but didn’t allow one either. Washington just barely outshot them 11-9, the Jackets had the better of the scoring chances with a 4-1 edge in high danger chances. For the opening period the Corsi was 50%. Both goalies were really good, each making big saves early on.
The Capitals as they have done all series broke through first. Tom Wilson who has been a thorn in the Jackets side this series tipped home the Matt Niskanen shot to make it 1-0. The Capitals shortly after thought they made it 2-0 and it was a resounding here we go again from the Blue Jackets faithful. The goal however was called back as the Capitals were offside on the initial entry. The Jackets caught a break and quickly capitalized.
19 year old rookie Pierre-Luc Dubois tied the game on what has to be the biggest goal so far of his young career.
Dubois takes the pass from Artemi Panarin and he rips it. It’s not the prettiest goal but it was a big one tying the game at 2.
The Jackets though were quick to give this goal back. As they have done all series they fell into penalty trouble. This time they gave the Capitals a lengthy 5 on 3 power play opportunity, as both Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Murray were in the box for slashing. Both penalties were drawn by the Caps Jakub Vrana who for some unknown reason was scratched for Game 2.
The Caps 5 on 3 gave them the lead and they went into the third period up a goal.
When the Jackets are down they turn to their stars and it was Parnain and Cam Atkinson they leaned on and they got together on what was one of the better goals of this series.
The passing the puck work the chemistry, these two are feeling it right now and it’s great to watch. This goal is Panarin’s sixth point of the series. He has been everything and more for this team.
The overtime was frustrating. You come that far into the game and then have a goal like that be the game winner. It wasn’t great but the Jackets did not play well and that game should have been over well before that. The Jackets were clearly tired, as were the Caps, but the Caps had desperation driving them. The Jackets have nine shots in overtime, including just two in double OT. The Caps had 14 including eight in double OT. They were outplaying the Jackets, they had a 76.47% Corsi in the second OT. If that goal doesn’t go in, it likely wasn’t long before another one did.
The Jackets have to rest up and regroup before Game 4 on Thursday. It seems weird to call this a must win, seeing how the Jackets have a 2-1 series lead. This is a game the Jackets need to win. You cannot afford to let Washington back in the series. You gave yourselves a huge advantage taking the first two games on the road. Don’t give it right back.
Stat of the Night
Stats courtesy of
Natural Stat Trick and
Hockey-Reference.
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