The Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals are still scoreless after three periods at TD Garden, heading to a sudden death overtime in Game 1. Unlike the first two periods, however, it was Washington that controlled the play, giving Braden Holtby a breather and creating some offense on the other end. They out-shot Boston 9-3 in the third.
After being out-shot by 19 through the first two periods, the Capitals turned up the pressure on Tim Thomas and had a number of good chances in the first ten minutes of the third period, while the Bruins failed to put a shot on Holtby. Matthieu Perreault's line had a couple good shifts, creating solid scoring chances. Nicklas Backstrom knocked down a clear attempt at the blue line and took it the other way with Jason Chimera on his left, but Thomas stuffed the solid chance. It was certainly an improvement for Dale Hunter's club against the stout Bruins' defense.
But nothing would get past Thomas, so we're headed to overtime. It was the first time Capitals have ever played 60 minutes of scoreless hockey in the franchise's playoff history.
We'll have plenty more on these games and the rest of the 2012 NHL Playoffs on SB Nation D.C., so keep it locked to this StoryStream for all the latest news and updates. For more news, analysis, and discussion on Capitals hockey, please head over to Japers' Rink. For the opponent's perspective all series, check out Stanley Cup of Chowder. You can also head over to the SB Nation NHL hub page for more on hockey news as the playoffs begin.
