Star of the Night: Rookie Johansson leads Caps’ incredible comeback

Johansson

Discount those teams that have suffered early postseason failures the most in recent years at your own risk.

The Washington Capitals, like the San Jose Sharks, don’t seem ready to go quietly into the night.

One night after the Sharks wiped out a 4-0 deficit and beat Los Angeles in overtime, the Caps came back from 3-0 down in the third period and then prevailed in double overtime in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series with the New York Rangers.

The Caps now lead the series, 3-1. Rookie center Marcus Johansson scored twice in Washington’s three-goal third period. For his efforts, he’s the TheBruinsBlog.net Star of the Night.

Johansson talked to the Washington Post about the comeback after the game. He said:

“It felt good for us. No one expected us to come out with a tie after that second period, but we believed in ourselves and we went out and did what we were supposed to do, and that’s how you win games. I think they got a little shaky after that.”

If the Caps can make the Rangers shaky one more time in Game 5, they’ll be out of the first round.

Honorable mention: Jason Chimera (GWG in 2OT) of Washington; Henrik Lundqvist (49 saves) of NY Rangers; Dwayne Roloson (50 saves) of Tampa Bay; James Neal (GWG in 2OT) of Pittsburgh; Ryan Miller (32-save shutout) of Buffalo; Corey Perry (1-2-3, plus-2) of Anaheim; Patrick Eaves (2 goals) of Detroit.

Last night’s scores

Washington 4, NY Rangers 3 (2OT)

Pittsburgh 3, Tampa Bay 2 (2OT)

Buffalo 1, Philadelphia 0

Anaheim 6, Nashville 3

Detroit 6, Phoenix 3

Today’s games

Boston at Montreal, 7

Chicago at Vancouver, 10

San Jose at Los Angeles, 10:30