New York, NY (SportsNetwork.com) – Joel Ward scored with just 1.3 seconds
left, giving the Washington Capitals a dramatic 2-1 win over the New York
Rangers on Thursday in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series.
The game appeared headed for overtime until the Caps got the puck deep in the
right corner. A hit from Nicklas Backstrom on Dan Boyle worked the puck loose
and Alex Ovechkin dug it up.
Just as he was about to take it behind the net, Ovechkin passed the puck back
to the low right side and Ward one-timed it under the pads of Henrik Lundqvist
for the winner.
Ovechkin scored the other goal and Braden Holtby made 31 saves for the
Capitals, who defeated the New York Islanders in seven games in the first
round.
Jesper Fast scored for the Rangers, who dispatched the Penguins in five games
in the opening round. Lundqvist stopped 27 shots in the loss.
Game 2 of this best-of-seven series is Saturday afternoon at Madison Square
Garden.
