With a 1-0 OT victory for Boston in game one and a 2-1 OT victory for Washington in game two it was clear both these teams were playing tight defensive games. But with only the 2 regulation goals over two games, they were both due for some offense.
Alexander Semin opened the scoring late in the first with a power play goal, putting Caps up 1-0. They held the lead after one but just 35 seconds into the second Rich Peverly scored to tie the game. Alex Ovechkin didn’t waste anytime scoring just 13 seconds after the Bruins tied it to re-give the Caps their lead. Nearing the half way mark of the second period Boston tied it again, as Daniel Paille backhanded one past Holtby.
In the third, the Bruins struck early once again, this time just a minute in. Brian Rolston scored to give Boston their first lead of the game. Caps fought back, and with just over 5 minutes left in the third they tied the game at 3. Brooks Laich had the goal, picking up his third point of the night. With the clock ticking down in the final period it looked as though these teams would need extra time for the third straight time. But Boston had other plans, and rushed into the Caps zone with under two minutes left in regulation. Captain Zdeno Chara came up big for his team scoring to give the Bruins a 4-3 lead late in the third. Caps put pressure on, but didn’t have enough time to tie it up, giving Boston the victory and a 2-1 series lead.
Game 4 is Thursday at 7:30.