WASHINGTON, DC – The Braden Holtby show continued in Washington as the young goaltender turned aside 44 shots to lead his club to a 2-1 win over the Boston Bruins. With the win the Capitals evened the series at a pair of games aside.
Marcus Johansson took advantage of a non-call against Alex Ovechkin as he finished off a two-on-one with Brooks Laich making a fine cross-ice pass. Perhaps it was too early for the officials to call a penalty, as Ovechkin clearly interfered with Andrew Ference taking the Bruins defender out of the play. Still disaster could have been avoided for Boston had Zdeno Chara handled a loose puck. Instead of Chara, it was Laich who picked up the puck and with just 1:22 expired it was Washington 1-0.
Despite trailing, Boston held all the advantage as they outshot Washington by a 24-5 margin by one point in the second period. Eventually they would snap 45 shots on Holtby included the game-tying score by Rich Peverly late in the first period. Peverly used Daniel Paille as a decoy before sliding the puck between Holtby’s legs.
The score would remain tied until Alexander Semin snapped a power play shot past Boston goaltender Tim Thomas late in the second frame.
Game five of this series is slated for Saturday afternoon in Boston.
Contact Tom.Schettino@prohockeynews.com
