In Washington DC Sunday night, the Capitals were gripping so hard they were playing with saw dust and stick blades by the end of Game 2.
And it cost them.
The Columbus Blue Jackets’ Matt Calvert struck midway through the first extra session to defeat the Caps, 5-4, and take a surprising 2-0 series lead.
“Two games in overtime, that can really crush a team,” Calvert said.
Sergei Bobrovsky made 54 saves in the win as the Jackets now head home with the series lead and home ice advantage.
“I think we take for granted how special he is and how big he is for us,” Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones said. “Some of the saves he makes in big-time situations … he gives us a chance to win every single night.”
Jay Beagle scored for the Caps and Alex Ovechkin struck twice in the loss.
T.J. Oshie forced overtime late in the third period on a power play goal to tie the game, 4-4.
“We’re disappointed and we’re mad,” Nicklas Backstrom said. “Yeah, we’re down 2-0 and obviously we’re playing a good hockey team. They’ve got two home games now. But we’re going to do everything to turn things around. There’s a lot of hockey left.”
Washington to build off an early 2-0 lead and allowed the Blue Jackets to rally after every advantage.
Cam Atkinson scored twice for the Jackets and Josh Anderson‘s and Zach Werenski scored single markers.
“If anything, we need to stay out of the box, but you never know what’s a call and what’s not anymore. But that’s the game right now. We can definitely elevate our game,” Atkinson said after the OT win.
[WATCH: All Blue Jackets vs. Capitals highlights | Complete Capitals vs. Blue Jackets series coverage]
Philipp Grubauer sarted for the Caps but was pulled after the second intermission after giving up four goals; he made 18 saves.
“We’re actually an emotional team and feel like we like to get involved in stuff. But, I don’t know. Maybe we should just focus on the game here,” Backstrom said.
Braden Holtby started the third period for the Caps and finished with seven saves.
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