Oshie seals the victory with the game-winning goal into the vacant net, propelling the Capitals into the playoffs with a win over the Flyers.

April 17, 2024

Oshie seals the victory with the game-winning goal into the vacant net, propelling the Capitals into the playoffs with a win over the Flyers.

T.J. Oshie's shot into the empty net resulted in one of the most unexpected game-winning goals seen in recent NHL history, securing the Washington Capitals' spot in the playoffs.

Oshie's decisive empty-net goal, scored with 3 minutes remaining, helped the weary Capitals secure a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday night amidst unusual circumstances. With the score tied, Philadelphia coach John Tortorella opted to pull his goaltender for an extra attacker, as his team needed a regulation win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Unbeknownst to Tortorella, the Flyers' fate had already been sealed when the Detroit Red Wings scored with just 3.3 seconds remaining, forcing overtime against the Montreal Canadiens. This result effectively eliminated the Flyers from playoff contention.

"We'll take it," remarked Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin. "Thanks, Philly."

Tortorella learned of the Red Wings' result just after Oshie's empty-net goal. However, it was too late to alter the outcome, which also spelled the end for Detroit and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Washington will begin their playoff journey this weekend against the New York Rangers, who claimed the Presidents' Trophy this season. This marks the Capitals' return to the playoffs after missing out last year, ending their eight-year postseason streak.

"It holds significant meaning," expressed Oshie, one of the few players left from the Capitals' 2018 Stanley Cup-winning team, alongside Ovechkin, John Carlson, and Tom Wilson. "After winning once, regular-season games just don't carry the same weight as playoff matchups, so making it back there is incredibly special, and we won't take it for granted. The team will be fully prepared."

Despite a recent six-game losing streak that appeared to jeopardize their playoff chances, the Capitals persevered, propelled by strong performances from goaltender Charlie Lindgren. Lindgren displayed resilience against the Flyers, making crucial saves, totaling 27, in his second consecutive start and his 48th appearance of the season—by far the most in his NHL career.

"He's arguably been our most valuable player," stated coach Spencer Carbery. "He's been outstanding all season. He earned the opportunity to play in back-to-back games, and he once again delivered."

Ovechkin contributed to the early offense by scoring his 31st goal of the season and his 853rd career goal. This occurred late in the first period on a deflection of Dylan McIlrath's shot, bringing him 42 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's record. Lindgren conceded only one goal, which was a similar redirection by veteran defenseman Erik Johnson, who was acquired by Philadelphia at the trade deadline despite not being known for his scoring abilities.

Before being replaced, Flyers goalie Samuel Ersson stopped 16 of the 17 shots he faced.

Tortorella remarked, "That was one of the most encouraging things of it all: the last three games that Ers can go home in the summer with that. It’s ridiculous how much we played him. But he gets to go home feeling he rebounded and he found himself again."

The Capitals experienced numerous transformations throughout the season, surpassing low preseason expectations to become contenders, then becoming sellers at the trade deadline, and finally emerging as frontrunners for the playoffs. It's fitting that they secured their playoff berth in an unconventional manner, setting the stage for a matchup against the Rangers.

Carbery acknowledged the significant challenge ahead, stating, "It's a significant challenge. They're the best team in the NHL, so we know we have our hands full."

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