It didn't take the Boston Bruins long. Just 1:18 into overtime in a scoreless contest, Chris Kelly's blistering slap shot found its way over the shoulder of Braden Holtby, giving the home team a 1-0 Game 1 win and a 1-0 series lead while eliminating any fear they may have had that this one could have slipped away.
Bruins Vs. Capitals, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 1: Chris Kelly’s Overtime Winner Gives Boston 1-0 Series Lead
Holtby deserved a better fate. The Capitals goaltender, only in goal thanks to injuries above him on the depth chart, was phenomenal all game long for his club. The Bruins dominated the first two periods, and the only reason this game wasn’t a blow out much earlier was Holtby. It’s an unfortunate loss for him.
For the Capitals on the whole, however, it’s probably a just result. Boston stomped all over them for the better part of two periods, and even though it seemed as though the teams switched jerseys in the third period, the Bruins ended the game with 62 shot attempts: 30 shots on goal, 10 missed shots and 22 which were blocked. That’s a winning formula, regardless of how it gets done.
For complete Boston Bruins coverage, check out SB Nation Boston and Bruins blog Stanley Cup of Chowder. For complete Washington Capitals coverage, swing by SB Nation DC and Caps blog Japers' Rink.
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