Washington Capitals Defeat New York Islanders In Thrilling Game Seven

In the first game seven of the NHL Playoffs, the Washington Capitals were able to overcome the onslaught of the young New York Islanders.

One thing is for certain, this was a thrilling series — minus the Isles’ blowout loss in game five. And last night was no exception, as it was probably the most hard hitting, which is saying something: the series, in total, had 630 hits between the two teams.

Between, the Isles’ fourth line, Alex Ovechkin’s improved defense and the feistiness of the Caps’ defensemen — there were plenty of shots thrown at Islanders driving to the crease — there was a lot to see. At times, it was shocking how the game did not deteriorate into all out anarchy, which is a testament to the referees. One thing is for certain, they let the players play, with only one power play opportunity yesterday.

Now, the floodgates finally opened deep in the second period, when Joel Ward scored on a rebound that Jaroslav Halak could not control. With this said, people have suggested that Ward knocked Islanders’ defenseman Johnny Boychuk down with a high stick, but obviously nothing was called.

However, the Islanders got their revenge at the start of the third period, when a Frans Nielson shot miraculously squirted passed Braden Holtby – the man makes amazing saves all series, yet somehow lets in this ridiculously weak shot.

But the Islanders were simply outplayed by the Caps last night, only garnering a horrendous eleven shots on goal, by far their lowest of the series. And if it was not for Halak’s goaltending, the game would have gotten out of hand.

Still, game seven ended on a beautiful goal by Evgeny Kuznetsov — he patiently skated around Jaroslav Halak to put a shot through the goaltender’s five hole, placing the Caps ahead late in the third period — and the chance for the Isles to end their playoff power play drought. Unfortunately, they could not capitalize on John Carlson’s idiotic roughing penalty, making them zero for 14 throughout the series.

The Capitals will next take on the New York Rangers. As for the Islanders, the game seven loss extends their playoff series drought — they have not won one since 1993 — and also closes the book on their time in the Nassau Coliseum.

Article by Anthony Falco