BOSTON, Mass – Chris Kelly’s blast over the left shoulder of Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby just 1:18 into overtime put a sudden end to a scoreless contest and gave Kelly’s Boston Bruins a 1-0 lead in the series.
The blast put a sudden end to Holtby’s fairy tale debut in which the 24-year-old goaltender nearly shutout the defending Stanley Cup champion Bruins. Holtby was especially on top of his game when he helped the Capitals weather what was essentially a six minute power play.
Washington’s extended shorthanded period began when Jay Beagle cut Boston’s David Krejci at the 18:27 mark and was assessed a double high-sticking minor. Troy Brouwer extended the Caps disadvantage when he cleared the puck seconds after Beagle’s penalty expired. Despite the extended man advantage the Bruins would never capitalize thanks to Holtby who came up with 29 saves over the course of the evening.
Both of the teams took advantage of extended periods of dominance in play. With the exception of brief periods the Bruins owned the play during the majority of the first and second periods. Washington started slowly but appeared to be turning the tide late in the third period. However, whatever attack the Caps put up Boston netminder Tim Thomas turned aside as he came up with 17 saves to post his seventh career playoff shutout.
Washington had the first real chance in overtime when Marcus Johansson forced a shot at Thomas. The Bruins netminder made the save with relative ease and directed the puck up ice where four Bruins handled the puck in a space of seconds. Defenseman Joe Corvo corralled the rebound and sent it up ice to Brian Rolston.
Rolston subsequently hit Benoit Pouliot with a pass who in turn sprung Kelly loose for the game-winner.
Prior to the game the Bruins made a well-known secret public when they announced Nathan Horton would not play during the Stanley Cup playoffs.
In addition to Horton, the Bruins also are playing without the services of Marc Savard who missed the entire 2011-12 season.
Game two of the series is set for Saturday afternoon in Boston.
Contact the author at Tom.Schettino@prohockeynews.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.