Not since Nicklas Backstrom in 2010 has a Capital posted a hattrick in the playoffs.

T.J. Oshie scored his third goal in overtime to give the Capitals a 4-3 victory in DC tonight and a 1-0 series lead over the Penguins.

Much to the she-grin of NBC, who clearly has a love affair with Pittsburgh, the Caps outplayed the Pens in most of the game.

Matt Murray stopped 31 shots but was unable to stop a T.J. Oshie wrap around that just squeaked by. A video review led to the official goal.

Braden Holtby was phenomenal, stopping 42 Penguins shots.

The Capitals held most the momentum throughout the game, but Pittsburgh showed that the Rangers series wasn't a fluke. The Penguins have been the hottest team in the league for the last couple months, but were unable to counter the Capitals.

Murray's play should be complemented though, as the rookie played extremely well stopping two Ovechkin break-a-ways and frustrating the Caps throughout the game.

However, it wasn't his inexperience that gave his team a loss tonight. The Capitals insistent pressure made the Pens play sloppy at times and a giveaway at their blueline led to Oshie getting the puck and wrapping it around the net and into the goal.

Things are just heating up, and Saturday's Game 2 should be a much different game than tonight. I'm looking for a lower scoring game with little room to create as both teams will try to feel each other out again now that the butterflies are gone.

What was your favorite moment of the night?

More to come...

Join the Discussion: » 87 Comments » Post New Comment

» Karl Alzner to play in 500th consecutive game tonight

» Alex Ovechkin gets his 1,000th NHL point

» Ovechkin, Holtby tagged to play in All-star game

» Ovechkin has tied The Rocket for 29th all-time

» Is Braden Holtby as good as he was last year?