Ward saves Washington's season with overtime winner in Game 7

Posted on April 26, 2012

In one of the most thrilling series in Washington hockey history, the Capitals eliminated the Boston Bruins in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals Wednesday, winning 4-3 in overtime to eliminate the defending Stanley Cup champions. For the fifth time in seven games in the series, the Capitals managed to score the game's first goal. Matt Hendricks deflected a John Carlson right point shot past Tim Thomas for his first goal of the playoffs at 11:23. Jason Chimera also assisted on the tally, giving Washington a lead after 20 minutes. Boston fired 11 shots on goal, with Braden Holtby stopping them all. Tim Thomas made four saves in the frame. In a series as even as this one, it was not surprising to see the Bruins tie the game in the second period. Tyler Seguin, who had not registered a point until the third period of Game 6 in this series, scoring his second goal in as many games, and the only goal of the middle frame at 14:27. Boston enjoyed a 25-13 shot advantage after 40 minutes, with the game all tied at one. A tense third period resulted in neither team scoring, and and the game headed to overtime all tied at 1-1. In overtime, Joel Ward cemented his place in Washington sports history, scoring the game-winning goal in overtime, sending Washington to a thrilling seven game series win over the defending Stanley Cup champions. John Erskine, Jeff Halpern, Dmitry Orlov and Mathieu Perreault were among the scratches for Washington in Game 7. Boston played without Joe Corvo (injury), Shawn Thornton and Adam McQuaid. The Capitals will know its second round opponent after the first round concludes Thursday night.