Ward scores buzzer-beater, Capitals steal Game 1 vs. Rangers
Game 1 of a second-round series between the New York Rangers and Washington Capitals appeared destined for overtime.
Joel Ward ensured that the game ended in regulation, however, scoring the game-winning goal with 1.3 seconds remaining in the third period to give the Capitals a massive road win to start the series.
Here's what you need to know about a wild night in New York.
Star Performer: Alex Ovechkin proved himself worthy on the biggest of stages, scoring the first goal of the game on a wicked wrist shot past Henrik Lundqvist and assisting on the game winning goal with a dynamite pass out front that fooled everyone except Ward.
He also recorded a game-high six shots on net and a Corsi for percentage of 67.
Turning Point: The timing and significance of Ward's goal - his second of the playoffs - can't be overstated, making it the de facto turning point in Game 1.
The goal was created off a somewhat questionable hit by Nicklas Backstrom, who leveled Dan Boyle into the boards and knocked the puck loose to Ovechkin, who dished the pivotal assist.
(Courtesy: NHL.com)
Goalie Comparison: Shots in Game 1 were fairly even, with both Lundqvist and Braden Holtby putting in star performances. Ultimately, though, the home goalie came out on the losing end after being caught with the last-second tally.
| GOALIE | SHOTS | GA | SAVES | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braden Holtby | 32 | 1 | 31 | .969 |
| Henrik Lundqvist | 29 | 2 | 27 | .931 |
Top Highlight: Ovechkin's goal was a thing of beauty, created seemingly out of nothing near the end of the first period. After entering the zone while challenged by defenseman Dan Boyle, he promptly fired a wicked wrist shot over Henrik Lundqvist's right shoulder into the back of the net.
(Courtesy: NHL.com)
Stat of the Night: Incredibly, Ward's winner wasn't the latest scored in a playoff game, with the mark being set six years earlier by Jussi Jokinen.
Joel Ward scores the latest game-winning goal in a Stanley Cup Playoff game since CAR Jussi Jokinen on Apr 21, 2009 vs NJ (19:59)
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) May 1, 2015
Series at a Glance:
Game 1: Capitals 2, Rangers 1
Game 2: Saturday, May 2, 12:30 p.m. ET
Game 3: Monday, May 4, 7:30 p.m. ET
Game 4: Wednesday, May 6, 7:30 p.m. ET
*Game 5: Friday, May 8, 7 p.m. ET
*Game 6: Sunday, May 10, TBD
*Game 7: Wednesday, May 13, TBD