It took six full games, 52 minutes, and 42 seconds, but in crunch time of Game 7 in their thrilling best-of-seven series against the New York Islanders, the Washington Capitals pulled a 2-1 lead that would decide the series.

The series-winning goal was glorious, but to get the full scope of the series, we have to go back to Game 1. “I thought it would be close. The Islanders have a lot of offensive firepower with guys like [center] John Tavares and [right wing] Kyle Okposo, but [Capitals goalie] Braden Holtby came up huge,” said junior Ian Suzuki. The Caps came out weak, however, losing 4-1 in their first playoff game in two years, not having the energy nor drive to pull out a home win. But they successfully regrouped in Game 2, launching 82 shot attempts in contrast to 51 from the Isles, winning 4-3.

The next two games were undoubtedly the most tiring for each team, both going to overtime. Game 3 in New York tired the Caps to the point of losing 2-1 in OT. Nicklas Backstrom conquered New York on their home turf with an overtime goal in Game 4, giving the Caps enough momentum to crush the Isles 5-1 in Game 5. That energy was lost in Game 6, however, as the Isles scored first, propelling them to a 3-1 win. It all came down to Game 7.

The Sea of Red was decked out in full gear for a winner-take-all game at Verizon Center on April 27th. Nearing the end of the second period, Caps right wing Joel Ward squirted a point-blank rebound off a Brooks Orpik shot past New York Goalie Jaroslav Halak, giving the Caps a 1-0 lead. Thomas Hickey of the Islanders quickly tied it back up, laying a wrister between Holtby’s legs in the third period, leaving the game tied 1-1 heading to the end.

Evgeny Kuznetsov, young Capitals rookie and hot prospect, sent the Caps into the next round. Kuzy curled the puck through the offensive zone, stalling just long enough to get Halak on his back and send the game-winning-goal top shelf. “I think it was a beautiful shot. He’s an excellent skater, and I really think he has a future in the NHL,” said sophomore Akul Mehra. Kuznetsov proved more than capable of maintaining his poise in his first ever NHL playoff series.

A great first round series will hopefully give the Capitals the confidence and momentum they need to defeat the New York Rangers in the second round.