It might be time to feel confident about the depth throughout the Washington Capitals lineup. In Game-One of their playoff series against the Boston Bruins, the Caps roster depth proved vital. Washington started the game without Evgeny Kuznetsov and Ilya Samsonov. They also lost backup goalie Vitek Vanecek in the first period. Still, They got a 21 save performance from 39-year-old Craig Anderson to beat the Bruins 3-2 in overtime to take a 1-0 lead in their best of seven series.
“Tough spot to put somebody in but Andy’s (Craig Anderson) answered the bell when we’ve needed it,” head coach Peter Laviolette said after the game. “Really optimizes the concept of working hard every day so when you get your opportunity, you’re ready, and that’s exactly what he did.”
Washington took a 1-0 lead on a Tom Wilson goal at the 6:22 mark of the first period. About five minutes later, Boston’s Jake DeBrusk tied the game, beating Vanecek on the right side. Unfortunately, Vanecek appeared to injure his right leg, trying to block the shot. He left the game with a lower-body injury.
Enter Anderson, who had only played in five regular-season games as the Capitals third-string goaltender. Nevertheless, he only gave up one goal. A Nick Richie shot that barely trickled through Anderson’s legs in the second period.
“It doesn’t matter what happened; somebody get hurt, we have to find a way, and I think everybody understand that,” Alex Ovechkin said. “It‘s time for us to step up, and you can see Andy come out and play solid game and give us a chance to win.”
With Samsonov trying to get back into game shape after not skating for two weeks because of covid protocol, it may fall to Anderson to keep the Capitals hopes of a long post-season run alive, at least through the first few games of this series.
“Well, you can say I’m well rested from not playing so much,” Anderson said jokingly after the game. “When opportunity knocks, you make the most of the opportunity. To now get the opportunity to live what I’ve been telling them it’s great to be a part of it.”
“I think the biggest thing was he was just so calm and poised in what he did,” said Nic Dowd. “He played so well. I mean, it’s got to be really challenging for any player to come off the bench like that and being forced into that situation.”
The two teams played an even third period. Neither team was able to score. Dowd ended the game at the 4:41 mark of the first overtime as he redirected a T.J. Oshie slapshot past Bruins goalie Tukka Rask.
“I think our team has shown we’ve done that all year and been successful, and I think guys have learned how to do it, to be honest,” Oshie said.
Game two is Monday night at Capital One Arena. Laviolette said Vanecek would be re-evaluated Sunday. Samsonov and Kuznetsov’s status is still unknown.