Washington Capitals' Joel Ward blames himself for Game 5 loss to New York Rangers -NHL Playoffs Update
Washington Capitals put up an intense fight against Eastern Conference’s top seeded team, New York Rangers, in Game 5 of the 2012 National Hockey League (NHL) Stanley Cup Playoff Semi-Finals, but lost in overtime, something for which Joel Ward blames himself.
From being a hero as Ward scored the Game 7 overtime winning goal against Boston Bruins but with a late penalty called out in Game 5 against Washington which could have given the Capitals a chance to eliminate New York at home, Joel Ward being in the box
allowed two crucial goals.
After Capitals lost a face-off in their defensive end, Joel Ward was seen to slash New York’s Carl Hagelin in the face with his stick which resulted in him being called for a double minor penalty.
Brad Richards fired off the equaliser with just seven seconds remaining on the clock before Washington could have celebrated the win and then Marc Staal scored in overtime to give New York the leading win.
To his defence, Washington players came out and disregarded the statement that Joel Ward was to be blamed for the loss.
"You can't say it was his fault," Washington’s Alex Ovechkin said. "We all lost the game. We win as a group and lose as a group. … Unfortunately it was close, but not close enough. Tomorrow's going to be a new day and (the next game) is going to be a new
game. We've just got to play our game."
But Ward continues to blame himself.
"I definitely let the squad down, and it cost us a game with a terrible play," Ward said. "I was just kind of hoping for another chance to redeem myself." "It's a little mentally disturbing for sure right now," he added. "It's tough to be in that position
when you're letting the team down."
Now with Game 5 done and over with, there is nothing that Joel Ward can do by blaming himself. Instead, focusing on the next task at hand would be the best way to approach things as the series heads back to Washington for Game 6 on Wednesday, May 9.
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