Capitals Take it in Overtime, After Intense Game

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The Pittsburgh Penguins were already overcoming adversity before they showed up in Washington to face the Capitals, on Sunday afternoon. After playing a game the night before in Montreal, the team had to endure terrible weather conditions that prohibited them from flying into their destination. In the end, a short plane ride to Newark, New Jersey, and a several hour bus ride the rest of the way into Washington, left the Penguins with only a couple hours to sleep before the big game. After an intense game with the Capitals, the Penguins ended up getting taken down by a single goal in Over Time. This was only the second time, all season, that the Penguins weren’t able to pull out a win in Extra Time or a Shoot Out.

The Penguins took an early lead during the seventh minute of the game when Sidney Crosby put in his 38th goal of the season. Exactly three minutes later, Crosby had a second goal, with an assist from Evgeni Malkin; Crosby’s second goal came off a Penguins Power Play. The Penguins went into the second period with a two goal lead, and feeling pretty good about themselves.

Nine minutes into the second period, Alexander Ovechkin made it only a one goal lead, but Jordan Staal widened the gap again, less than three minutes after. Then, less than two minutes after that, Staal put his second goal of the game in, leaving him and Crosby in prime position for a Hat Trick. Unfortunately, their Hat Trick never came; instead, a Hat Trick occurred for Ovechkin, followed by Overtime.

With under three minutes in the second period, the Capitals got their second goal, now trailing by two goals. Under seven minutes into the third period, Ovechkin made it a single goal game, followed by his third goal a few minutes after. Not only did this give Ovechkin a Hat Trick, but it tied the game up, eventually sending it into Overtime. In Overtime, the Penguins had the majority of control over the puck, until Brooks Orpik was sent off with a penalty, giving the Capitals a 4 on 3 Power Play. This opportunity was all the Capitals needed to put in a game winning goal.

Marc Andre Fleury played a great game, despite sustaining his second Overtime loss. Making 29 saves, Fleury held the Capitals to only two goals in the first two periods. Unfortunately, going up against the NHL’s point leader is a tough job. Fleury held off the Capitals in Regulation Time, but when your team gets put on a Power Play in Overtime, the situation becomes much tougher.

The Penguins should be able to pull out a win against the New York Islanders this Wednesday, February 10. The Islanders currently bring up the rear of the Atlantic Division. The puck will drop at 7:30 P.M. ET.

Sidney Crosby Premier Black Jersey

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Jordan Staal Premier White Jersey w/ Authentic Lettering