The Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals series has been touted as the most exciting and closely matched of the second round and Game 1 did nothing to dispel that. The first game had something for everybody and was decided by a puck being millimeters over the goal line in overtime.
Both teams controlled game action at different junctures of the game and both teams were able to score goals. There are no ties in the playoffs and one team had to win and that team was Washington last night.
Here is how the game looked
All in all it wasn't a terrible performance by Pittsburgh. It was by no means perfect but it could have yielded a victory on a different night.
TJ Oshie was the star of the evening by scoring the last three goals for the Capitals which culminated with the game winner in overtime. I suppose there was some mild controversy over the goal call but I have no issue with the goal call. I believe the puck was over the goal line and when that happens a goal should be awarded. It was really close and on some nights perhaps the official rules no goal on the ice and things go another way. I think there should be more concern about why Pittsburgh was out attempted 15-8 in the extra session. Those 15 shot attempts by Washington in ~10 minutes of overtime were more than they mustered up in period 2 or 3 in a full 20 minute session.
Pittsburgh was able to generate 66 shot attempts at 5v5 last night which is a decent amount. Braden Holtby allowed three goals but still had a save percentage of .933. He continues to be an excellent postseason goaltender.
Rookie Matt Murray did not have what is known as a 'quality start' but at the same time I don't think he was bad either. His play in the first period stands out as a plus when Washington made their biggest push of the evening. Murray stopped the NHL's best goal scorer on a breakaway, a mini-breakaway, and a point blank one touch shot from the net front area in overtime which isn't the easiest thing to do.
The only goal I have real issue with Murray would be the third one. That one needs to be stopped and last night it was not. Some people have taken issue with the second Washington goal and I just can't get on board with that. That goal is completely on Olli Maatta's faux pas at the offensive blue line. Murray got scored on by an above average player in TJ Oshie who is best known for being one of the elite players at going one on one with the goaltender. If you give a breakaway specialist a breakaway don't be surprised if he scores regardless of the goaltender.
The biggest turning point of the evening was Tom Wilson's dirty hit on Conor Sheary. I mentioned the following before the game.
He certainly did not prove that comment wrong
This was an outrageously dirty play with only one intent and that was to cause injury. I don't know how the trailing official either missed seeing the play or saw it and didn't call anything. In my opinion the Penguins were jobbed out of a five minute power play in a tie playoff game. That is kind of a big deal. As far as suspensions/fines (he was fined) go I don't really care because the damage was done. Pittsburgh is not going to get that five minute power play and that is really what they needed most. Tom Wilson isn't a good player. Him playing in future games is only consequential if he goes on to injure somebody (which could happen).
Evgeni Malkin isn't quite back to his normal time on ice levels since coming back from injury but he still remains one of the best on the ice when it is his turn to hop over the boards. His backhand goal was pretty special.
Nick Bonino continues to be a positive impact player offensively for the Penguins. He made a terrific move at the blue line to free up a high danger chance which resulted in a Ben Lovejoy rebound goal. He also scored the tying goal in the third period. It took a little while (coaching change) but Bonino has been the acquisition that the Penguins have needed him to be.
Trevor Daley did not have a good night. He was clobbered. He was on the ice for 14 shot attempts for and a massive 28 against. He'll need to clean that up if the Penguins want to be successful. Olli Maatta is not playing the best hockey of his career. The Penguins can't afford to have other defensemen start to slump right now.
Chris Kunitz took a puck to the ear on the bench in the third period. He left the game and did not return. He is listed as day to day. Say what you will about Kunitz but he's still a better option than Oskar Sundqvist. The Penguins won't be better for it if Kunitz cannot play in Game 2.
This series was never going to be a sweep. Washington one Game 1 by millimeters in a game that saw both teams do well in stretches. This will be a dog fight until the end.
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