Washington’s Braden Holtby made 41 saves, while his opposing goaltender Philadelphia’s Steve Mason gave up a goal from 30m away as the Capitals beat the Flyers 4-1 on Saturday to take a 2-0 lead in their NHL first-round playoff series.
Dallas and San Jose also took 2-0 series leads with matching 2-1 victories over Minnesota and Los Angeles respectively, while the New York Rangers beat Pittsburgh to square that series at a game apiece.
Washington’s Alex Ovechkin scored on the power play and his 37th playoff goal was as predictable as Jason Chimera’s goal from beyond the red line was unexpected. Mason failed in his block on the go-ahead goal and can expect that moment to be replayed on hockey’s blooper reel for years to come.
Photo: AFP
After Karl Alzner backhanded the puck from his goal line, Chimera tipped it from the Capitals’ side of the red line. It slid five-hole on Mason, who wrenched his head back in dismay.
The Flyers outshot the Capitals 42-23 and dominated for much of the game, but came up empty as Washington’s John Carlson scored his second power-play goal in as many games and Nicklas Backstrom added one late at even strength.
Jake Voracek scored the Flyers’ only goal.
The series shifts to Philadelphia for Game 3 today.
San Jose’s captain Joe Pavelski scored his third goal in two games as the Sharks beat Los Angeles 2-1.
Martin Jones made 27 saves, while Logan Couture also scored for the Sharks, who largely dominated their California rivals in their second straight road victory.
Game 3 is scheduled for today at the Shark Tank.
Dallas’ Antoine Roussel scored from behind the net without the puck touching a stick to help the Stars beat Minnesota 2-1.
The Stars scored first on Roussel’s strange goal about 4 minutes into the second period, when the puck ricocheted off the skates of Ales Hemsky and Roussel.
The first-round series shifts to Minnesota for Game 3 today.
New York’s Keith Yandle and Derick Brassard scored 18 seconds apart in the second period as the Rangers defeated Pittsburgh 4-2.
Game 3 is to be played tomorrow in New York.
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