Alexander Semin's game-winning goal to give the Washington Capitals a 1-0 lead in their best-of-seven 2011 NHL Playoffs series against the New York Rangers essentially happened by accident. Nearing the end of a relatively boring period by playoff overtime standards, the Rangers had an easy clearing opportunity. Of course, it didn't happen, and the video says the rest.

Jason Arnott stepped in front of the pass, dropped off a nifty feed to Semin, who powered a rocket past Henrik Lundqvist to give the Capitals the 2-1 win. It was an example of Arnott making an opportunistic play at the right time, and it was also an example of Semin finally being due after going 14 playoff games without a goal. It wasn't an accident on either front. Arnott has been in the right place at the right time too often for it to be a coincidence, and Semin had been playing a very good hockey game prior to that goal. 

Maybe the tide is finally turning for the Capitals. This was certainly a game they would not have won in the playoffs last season.

(another video is below the jump, via the Capitals' web site)