It was a wild first period in Game 1 of the 2011 NHL Playoffs series between the Washington Capitals and Tampa Bay Lightning. Both teams scored quickly, and after one period, the score is tied at one.
The Lightning didn't take very long to get on the board. The Capitals turned the puck over, and the Lightning had a chance right in front of Michal Neuvirth. In the end, Sean Bergenheim stuffed the puck past Neuvirth to give the Lightning a 1-0 lead just two minutes and 12 seconds into the game. Steve Downie and Mike Lundin got the assists
But the Capitals responded very quickly. The Lightning committed a turnover, and Alexander Semin picked it up in the Lightning's zone. He then fired a wrist shot between Dwayne Roloson's legs and past him to tie the game at 1 at the 15:52 mark of the first period. It was Semin's fourth goal of the playoffs and it was unassisted.
The Capitals slowly took control of the game, and looked to break through with their second goal with 6:26 remaining. Mike Green held the puck in and fired a slapshot that was saved by Roloson. However, the puck was batted down by a defensemen right in front, and Brooks Laich put it through to give the Capitals a 2-1 lead. The goal was put under review, though, and it was determined that Laich kicked the puck in with his skate. The goal was taken off the board.
The Capitals had many chances after that, getting two power plays for their spoils. But they couldn't score, and had one shot hit off the post.