Capitals, Islanders tied 2-2 after Backstrom's OT long bomb
Nicklas Backstrom played the role of the hero Tuesday scoring the overtime winner to help the Washington Capitals tie their series with the New York Islanders at two games.
After Alex Ovechkin opened the scoring for the Capitals, and Casey Cizikas for the Islanders, the teams remained locked at ones until Backstrom's long wrist shot at midway through the first overtime beat Jaroslav Halak blocker-side.
Star performer: Backstrom's overtime goal was his second point of the game after he assisted on Ovechkin's first period marker. Backstrom also had five shots and two blocks on the night.
Turning point: With the game going to overtime, the turning point was no doubt the long shot from Backstrom that decided it all.
Goalie comparison: Both goaltenders played great, only giving up a goal each through regulation, but ultimately Braden Holtby came out on top.
| Goalie | Shots | GA | Saves | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holtby | 37 | 1 | 36 | .973 |
| Halak | 30 | 2 | 28 | .933 |
Top highlight: Nassau Coliseum roared after Tom Wilson delivered a devastating hit on Islanders defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky, one that took the blueliner out of the game.
Stat of the game: With his two points Tuesday, Backstrom now has six points on the Capitals' eight goals in the series.
Series at a glance:
Game 1: Islanders 4, Capitals 1
Game 2: Capitals 4, Islanders 3
Game 3: Islanders 2, Capitals 1 (OT)
Game 4: Capitals 2, Islanders 1 (OT)
Game 5: Thursday, April 23, TBA
Game 6*: Saturday, April 25, TBA
Game 7*: Monday, April 27, TBA
*If necessary