Evgeny Kuznetsov‘s goal with less than one minute left in regulation forced extra time between the Washington Capitals and the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning.
The elation as short-lived as the Bolts struck in overtime for the 5-4 win over the Caps.
Tampa needed a big game from Andrei Vasilevskiy and he delivered with 54 saves,
Victor Hedman picked up the game winner in the extra session.
“Another incredible performance and definitely wish we played a little bit better in front of him and caused a lot of havoc and chances against,” Tampa Bay defenseman Ryan McDonagh said. “He stood tall and gave us a great chance to find a way to win a game.”
The loss in OT gave the Caps a point in their race to secure the top spot in the Metro Division.
“I think the biggest thing I want to focus on is what our team did and how we stuck with it and come back and you’re able to tie it up at the end there to get a point,” Washington coach Todd Reirden said. “Obviously big points right now in the Metro Division for us, so I’m proud of my team.”
Nikita Kucherov struck twice and Steven Stamkos and Anthony Cirelli ma added single markers in regulation for the Bolts.
Carl Hagelin, T.J. Oshie and Lars Eller also scored for the Caps.
The Lighting were 3-for-3 on the power play.
“I didn’t think we were terrible on the PK, but they’re dangerous,” Hagelin said.
[WATCH: All Lightning vs. Capitals highlights]
Braden Holtby made 23 saves in the loss.
“Obviously we competed right to the end to get a point and we know there’s some areas we can make it a little more difficult on them, kind of take a few pointers from their game. They’re a good team, we’re a good team, and it’s been two very close games,” Holtby said.
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