Nicklas Backstrom Tips in GW Goal in OT to Give Capitals 3-2 Series Lead

After facing a 0-2 series deficit, the Washington Capitals are just one win away from advancing past the first round of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Nicklas Backstrom redirected a Dmitri Orlov shot from the point 11:53 into overtime to give the Capitals a 4-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets and now the Capitals lead the best-of-seven series 3-2.

Washington and Columbus traded goals for much of the game. Matt Calvert gave Columbus the 1-0 lead midway through the first period. But, Backstrom answered at the 13:22 mark to tie the game at 1-1.

Evgeny Kuznetsov gave Washington a 2-1 lead three minutes into the second off an assist from Orlov. However, Calvert answered just one minute later with an unassisted goal in which he whiffed on the shot on a breakaway but managed to guide the puck past Capitals goalie Braden Holtby to tie the game at 2-2.

T.J. Oshie scored his third goal of the series, scoring on a power play 16:42 into the second to give the Caps a 3-2 lead. But their joy was short-lived once again as Oliver Bjorkstrand scored 2:30 into the third to tie the game at 3-3. Both teams battled for the go-ahead goal before going into sudden death overtime for the fourth time in the series.

Unlike in Games 1 and 2, it was the Capitals that persevered to get the pivotal win and take their first lead in the series. Now, the team that was written off after two heart-breaking losses at home in the first two games are just one win away from advancing to the second round of the postseason.