Capitals 2 - 1 Bruins
Final - 2OT
  for this game

Caps edge Bruins in double overtime to even series

Apr 15, 2012 - 12:52 AM Boston, MA (Sports Network) - Nicklas Backstrom scored 2:56 into the second overtime to lift the Washington Capitals to a 2-1 win over the Boston Bruins and even their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series at one victory apiece.

Marcus Johansson gained control of the puck after a faceoff in the Boston end of the ice and slipped a pass from the left corner to Backstrom, who fired a wrister to the short side past Tim Thomas.

"We just need to be a little bit better than they are at winning battles," said Boston head coach Claude Julien.

Backstrom registered just his second goal since December 30. The Swede, of course, was sidelined for a large chunk of the season's second half because of a concussion.

"[Backstrom is] getting better every game and getting more ice," said Washington head coach Dale Hunter. "He's been strong, he's going to net, too, and battling for loose pucks."

Braden Holtby made 43 saves for the Capitals, while Thomas stopped 37 shots.

The series shifts to Washington for Game 3 on Monday.

A fortunate bounce led to the Capitals' first goal of the series. Alex Ovechkin spun with a Boston player pressuring him and fired a shot from the left wall that was blocked in front by Greg Zanon. The puck trickled toward the crease and Troy Brouwer was able to reach around the fallen Bruins defenseman and sweep the puck through Thomas' pads before the goaltender could cover it up.

The goal ended Thomas' postseason shutout streak at 161 minutes, 41 seconds. The last goal he allowed in the playoffs was to Maxime Lapierre at 17:34 of the third period in Game 6 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Final against Vancouver.

Boston's third line, which was responsible for the only goal in Thursday's overtime contest, tied it at 12:13 of the third period. Brian Rolston took a drop pass from Chris Kelly, the Game 1 hero, on the rush and fired a shot off Washington defenseman Jeff Schultz. The puck bounced to the slot and Benoit Pouliot backhanded it home before colliding with Holtby.

It was Pouliot's first career playoff goal.

Game Notes

The Bruins had won seven straight playoff games at home...Ovechkin totaled three shots and was credited with five hits...Boston defenseman Dennis Seidenberg played a game-high 33:55...Washington went 0-for-3 on the power play, while the Bruins were 0-for-2.






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