Game 2 began with an energetic performance by Las Vegas band Imagine Dragons. The fans were so pumped up by ID’s rendition of their hit “Whatever it Takes.” The players must’ve heard the raucous crowd, as it didn’t take long for them to get going.
The Real Deal James Neal stepped up first the Golden Knights with a nasty shot past Brayden Holtby for the first score of the game. Washington’s goaltender had no chance, as Neal’s pinpoint accuracy hit to the top right corner of the net taking the early 1-0 lead.
The game remained a one-goal game for much of the first period. After matching roughing penalties on Deryk Engelland and TJ Oshie, the game turned into a 4-on-4 contest allowing the Capitals to break free. Washington moved the puck finding Lars Eller on the corner of the net. The first period ended in a one 1-1 tie.
Washington’s Star took the lead early in the second period, as Alex Ovechkin put home a cross-crease pass for his first goal of the series. Four minutes later, the Capital added another on defenseman Brooks Orpik’s first goal of the postseason.
It took Vegas some time to gain back momentum as Washington’s TJ Oshie went to the penalty box for interference. Young star defenseman Shea Theodore took a flutter shot from the point, fooling everyone including the Caps goaltender. Vegas was feeling better about themselves heading into the dressing room down 3-2 after two periods of action.
The third period started with some misfortune for the Golden Knights. After two minor penalties by Washington, the Golden Knights were awarded a 5-3 Power Play.
Unfortunately, the Capitals were aggressive and desperate killing both penalties. It was the turning point of the game. At that point, Washington and their goaltender stole the show. Brayden Holtby made arguably one of the best saves of the postseason, clearly saving the game from going to an overtime period.
The Stanley Cup Finals is now tied 1-1 as the series pivots to Washington DC for Game 3 on Saturday. Faceoff is at 5P on NBCSN.
The team at Adam S. Kutner & Associates was able to give away two tickets and a Zamboni ride to a first-place winner, while a runner-up was able to win two tickets to last night’s game. Take a look through our Facebook post for more pictures of our winner.
The winner of the two tickets and Zamboni ride is a local 8-year old who has been diagnosed with a heart condition since birth and has had numerous surgeries. In two weeks, he will be having one more open heart surgery. We wish Sai the best and hope he makes a speedy recovery as we keep him and his family in our thoughts throughout his surgery. Click here to read more about Sai’s story.