T.J. Oshie made a crucial goal by shooting the puck into the empty net, securing the Washington Capitals’ spot in the playoffs.
His goal, with 3 minutes remaining, helped the tired Capitals win 2-1 against the Philadelphia Flyers in a bizarre situation.
The game was tied when the Flyers’ coach, John Tortorella, decided to remove their goaltender for an extra player, hoping for a win in regulation. However, Tortorella didn’t realize that Detroit’s goal seconds earlier had already ended the Flyers’ playoff hopes.
“We’ll take it,” said Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin. “Thanks, Philly.”
Tortorella only found out about Detroit’s result after Oshie’s goal, too late to change the outcome. This also ended Detroit’s and Pittsburgh Penguins’ playoff chances.
The Capitals will now face the New York Rangers in the playoffs, marking their return after missing out last year, breaking an eight-year streak.
“It means a lot,” said Oshie, one of the remaining players from the Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup-winning team.
The Capitals overcame a tough period with a six-game losing streak, but thanks to goalie Charlie Lindgren’s solid performances, they stayed in contention.
Despite some shaky moments against the Flyers, Lindgren made crucial saves when it mattered most, stopping 27 shots in total.
