Washington Capitals continue perfect winning streak, outrun Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 in overtime –NHL
Washington Capitals continued their perfect winning streak by beating Pittsburgh Penguins for their third straight of the 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season, 3-2, Thursday night, October 13, at the sold-out Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, United States.
Pittsburgh Penguins were on the same path entering the new season and hoping to make this year a championship one, but after losing their leading forward, Evgeni Malkin again before their matchup against Edmonton Oilers, which they lost, the team has not
been able to find the same footing since.
"It is huge", Washington defenseman, Karl Alzner, said. "It is not a trend that we want to start by keeping on going into overtime, but the fact that we keep coming out on top is huge. This game was an emotional roller coaster".
James Neal gave Pittsburgh a strong start while scoring his third of the season and the opening of the game 2:27 in. Washington killed off both penalties given by their players, Karl Alzner and Jeff Halpern, for delay of game and holding the stick respectively.
Mike Knuble put Washington on the scoreboard early into the second, after which both teams remained unable to score any further, forcing a tied-up final period which was bound to be intense.
Alex Ovechkin silenced the Pittsburgh rowdy crowd by scoring his first 40 seconds into the third and taking the lead for the Capitals. The crowd was reenergised when James Neal scored his second of the contest during their final power play opportunity, assisted
by Malkin, forcing an uncertain overtime.
Jordan Staal set the match ablaze when he was booked with a minor penalty for tripping during overtime, giving Washington’s Dennis Wideman an opportunity to score his second, which was exactly what he did.
"A tough call like that late in a game, in overtime, gave them momentum", Washington backup goalie, Brent Johnson, said. "It’s one of those we could have won if we got a bounce here or there".
Capitals play their next two games at home starting off against Ottawa Senators on Saturday as Pittsburgh Penguins host the rowdy, Buffalo Sabres, the same day.
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