“It’s a hockey game. Sometimes things get heated," Matt Niskanen
Game 6 of the Washington Capitals and New York Islanders series was everything I thought it would be. I expected the Isles to come out swinging and win the little battles to make the Caps lives miserable. Although Washington poured 38 shots on Jaroslav Halak, the majority of those were from the outside, as the Islanders defenseman kept the Caps from the slot area most of the game.
Braden Holtby was shaky at times. He was unable to control some of his rebounds and had some trouble holding on to bobbling pucks. He ended the game with 35 saves and did give the Capitals a chance to win, but it wasn't quite enough.
The Islanders battled and fought hard in what could be the final game in Nassau Colosseum.
Things got heated, too, as the casual scrum at the end of every whistle became the norm. At the end of the game, John Carlson fired a shot just after the buzzer sounded. This started a small brawl which saw Ovechkin, Backstrom, Brouwer and Johansson all receiving roughing minors, and Cal Clutterbuck receiving a 10-min misconduct for slashing Johansson's head. Kyle Okposo and Johnny Boychuk also received minor penalties.
Game 7 has been set for Monday at 7:30 in DC.
Both home crowds have been very influential this series helping to raise the intensity level. Unfortunately, some of the fans have taken things too far, especially in New York. After the game, Jason Chimera was involved in a verbal argument with a spectator.
“A fan was giving him a hard time and [Chimera] wanted a piece of him,… said a Nassau Coliseum security guard who was stationed at the tunnel. “I told [Chimera] to get to the locker room.… (Chuck Gormley, CSN Washington)
Fans also threw beer bottles and trash onto the ice as the game ended. Not the best to potentially close the Nassau.
Brooks Orpik, after having his chin sliced by a skate in Game 4, had a beer thrown at him while standing on the bench.
But instances like these are also what make playoff hockey what it is - the greatest that sports has to offer.
New York fans are passionate about their Islanders, and I think it's awful that the team will moving to Brooklyn next season.
At the same time, I truly hope that Nassau was closed out with a win in what has become a heated series.
More to come...