NHL playoff scores 2017: Capitals, Bruins put on overtime shows with huge wins

Two games are on the schedule, they said. The Bruins are done, they said. There’s no way the Leafs and Capitals can play to overtime again, they said.

They lied.

It’s actually a good thing only two games were on the docket, since more time was freed up to enjoy two of the most thrilling games of the NHL season. Both went to overtime. Both starred classic playoff heroes. Only one featured controversy, but it had two controversial moments, so we can stick with the “two” theme here. Shaky narrative legal ground, but I’ll risk it.

Anyway, my point is this: we got three periods of overtime hockey on a Friday night. And it was well worth staying home for on a Friday night. You missed out. Not us. Definitely not us. Shut up.

Capitals 2, Maple Leafs 1 (OT) (WAS leads, 3-2)

Bruins 3, Senators 2 (OT) (OTT leads, 3-2)

As Game 5 progressed, the three-time Stanley Cup champion and Conn Smythe winner seemed to grow stronger. Justin Williams is like the Obi-Wan Kenobi of playoff hockey. Or something. Go with it.

At any rate, he was noticeable. And it was no surprise when the shot that ended Game 5 in Washington’s favor left his stick for his 36th career playoff goal. When big playoff moments call, Williams is always sitting by the phone.

The Senators captain had to know he’d be ridden hard if the Sens played deep into overtime. But Karlsson finished with 41 minutes on the ice and fought some sort of injury (NBC speculated cramps) before Boston ended it.

Ask a Bruins fan to name a better Rask playoff performance and there’ll be a noticeable pause. Boston’s netminder was sensational, confident, and forceful in defending his crease while stopping 41 shots. All hell broke loose around him as the game wore on and tempers flared, but Rask was silently calm and solidly smooth in net. Enough to let doubts creep into the Senators’ minds before Game 6.

Full disclosure: I’m glad the Bruins won only because we don’t have to debate this goalie interference call for 10 years.

I have no idea what the rule is anymore and I don’t care anymore.

Alex Ovechkin. Came back from this ...

... and then did this.