NHL playoff scores 2015: Capitals, Ducks earn Game 1 victories

Washington and Anaheim took care of business and jumped out to 1-0 leads in their respective series.

by Andrew Hirsh

May 1, 2015, 12:00 PM UTC

Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

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NHL Thursday: Capitals beat Rangers in final seconds, Ducks roast Flames

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Midway through the third period of the Capitals' Game 1 contest against the Rangers, Washington forward Joel Ward hit the post with a shot he knew should have gone in the net. Frustrated, he kept telling himself he had to make a difference.

And boy, did he ever.

With the battle knotted at 1-1 and seemingly destined for overtime, Ward scored the game-winner with less than two seconds left in regulation to give the Caps a win and strip New York of its home ice advantage. The Blueshirts had tied the game several minutes earlier -- soon after Ward hit iron -- and it appeared as if these Metropolitan Division rivals would be in for a long overtime fight. But the wily veteran, who’s potted a number of clutch goals in his career, had other plans.

Across the continent, the Ducks made a big statement by demolishing the Flames. Two goals in each period propelled Anaheim to an easy victory, one that forced Calgary to face some difficult truths. Said Jonas Hiller: "They wanted it more than us tonight and that's a wake-up call for us."

Scores

Washington Capitals 2, New York Rangers 1

Anaheim Ducks 6, Calgary Flames 1

3 things we learned

1. Braden Holtby continues to impress

Having spent a year with renowned goalie coach Mitch Korn, Holtby has elevated his game to an extremely high level. The 25-year-old stopped 28 of 29 shots in Game 1 versus New York and has a .947 save percentage so far in the 2015 playoffs. He’s given up more than three goals against just twice in his last 20 starts.

2. The Flames are in trouble

One game does not make a series, but it's hard not to be concerned about the Flames right now. Calgary was absolutely pummeled by Anaheim in Game 1, and two of their best players, Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan, struggled mightily. Gaudreau was especially bad and was benched late in the second period. Each finished the night with only one shot on goal.

3. Tanner Glass has no business being out there

Glass, who has scored once this year in 72 games played, is still receiving ice time in the second round of the playoffs for reasons many don’t understand. It’s completely baffling, especially since the Rangers (and frankly every NHL team) have guys in the minors who could be more effective in a bottom six role. The veteran forward played 9:18 on Thursday and failed to register a shot. Oh, and he took a brutal offensive zone penalty, as well.