Troy Brouwer's goal at 18:33 of the third period gave the Washington Capitals a 4-3 win over the Boston Bruins in Game 5 of their opening round Eastern Conference playoff series, with the Capitals now holding a 3-2 lead in the series. Game 6 will be played in Sunday evening in Washington, D.C.
Brouwer's wrist shot from the top of the circle got by Bruins netminder Tim Thomas, who uncharacteristically allowed four goals on 32 Washington shots.
Mike Knuble got the Capitals their first goal of the third period, skirting a shot past Thomas' stick to give Washington a 3-1 lead. It was Knuble's first goal of the playoffs and thirteenth playoff goal of his career. Joel Ward and John Erskine earned assists on the Knuble tally.
Braden Holtby was once again phenomenal in goal, highlighted by his splits save against Tyler Seguin of the Bruins. Holtby finished the game stopping 34 of the 37 shots he faced.
Johnny Boychuk tied the game for Boston 3-3 at the 8:47 mark of the third period. The goal was the first Bruins power play goal of the series.
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.