After falling in Game 1, the Washington Capitals evened up the series with a big 3-2 win on the road. Now the series shifts to the Nation’s Capital with the momentum favoring the Caps.
Vegas got on the board first like many previous playoff games when James Neal fired a shot into the upper corner of the net, giving the Golden Knights a 1-0 lead.
The Real Deal. @jneal_18. That's the start the @GoldenKnights were looking for. #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/xUPo8vtJtm
— NHL (@NHL) May 31, 2018
Towards the end of the first period, Washington tied the game up, as Michael Kempny faked a shot before delivering a perfect pass to Lars Eller who scored on an open net.
Thinking shot, feeling pass. A big fake and an empty cage for the @Capitals. #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/0qgsAG6L8s
— NHL (@NHL) May 31, 2018
The Capitals then took the lead at the 14:22 mark of the second period when they took advantage on a power play, when Lars Eller sent a pass in front of goal to Alexander Ovechkin who sent a shot past Marc-Andre Fleury for the lead.
The first #StanleyCup Final goal of @ovi8's career – beautiful. #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/99uvrzoKAI
— NHL (@NHL) May 31, 2018
Brooks Orpik doubled the Washington lead when a bouncing puck dribbled its way past Fleury and into the goal for a 3-1 Caps lead.
That puts an end to a 220-game goal drought. #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/Fn4E2jHL6c
— NHL (@NHL) May 31, 2018
The Golden Knights cut the lead to 3-2 at the 2:13 mark of the second period when Shea Thedore scored on a power play.
After multiple chances for both sides in the third period, Vegas nearly broke through with two minutes remaining in the game, but Braden Holtby made a spectacular stick save to keep an Alex Tuch shot out of the net, preserving the Caps lead which held until the final whistle for a Game 2 win.
In a #StanleyCup Final game, every save is important.
But this one from @Holts170 is just insane. That's your @GatoradeCanada Cool Under Pressure Play of the Night. pic.twitter.com/mJctieWIgm
— NHL (@NHL) May 31, 2018
Holtby shined for Washington in the series tying win, making 37 saves on 39 shots. Lars Eller led the way for the Caps offense, scoring a goal and registering two assists.
With the series now even, both teams will try to take a series lead in Game 3 in Washington. Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday at 6 p.m. MT and will be televised on NBC Sports Network.
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Stanley Cup Final: Golden Knights Edge Capitals In Game 1 Thriller
