NHL playoff scores 2017: Disappointment reigns after Capitals bow out of the postseason once again

Washington once again is headed home after a second-round exit to the Penguins.

May 11, 2017, 1:00 PM UTC

Pittsburgh Penguins v Washington Capitals - Game Seven

Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images

The Washington Capitals are going home after yet another Game 7 loss to the Penguins.

It’s not a new feeling for the Capitals and their fans, but it’s likely the most disappointing playoff exit to date. After storming back from a 3-1 deficit against the Penguins to force a Game 7, Wednesday’s do-or-die game was disappointing.

The story felt the same, how the Capitals were dominating the opening moments but were unable to score because of Marc-Andre Fleury or mere misses. And when faced with a one-goal deficit, the Capitals just shut down in the third period instead of showing up. The Penguins held Washington to just six shots on goal in the final 20 minutes alone.

Then, the Capitals chances fell apart when Patric Hornqvist ended it with this wicked backhander.

There’s a lot to digest from this Game 7, and we’ll have a lot of it to come, but the overt disappointment is palpable in Washington. And for good reason.

Scores

Penguins 2, Capitals 0
Ducks 2, Oilers 1

Three Things We Learned

1. Marc-Andre Fleury was his old self again

Much like how he was to start the series, Fleury was back to his brick wall self as he blanked the Capitals with 29 saves. He had quite the evening in net, too, which included some stick love after a timely save on Alex Ovechkin.

2. The Eastern Conference Final has some drama!

We’ll have Finger Gate — AKA Sidney Crosby vs. Marc Methot — in the third round. We’ll also have Phil Kessel vs. Dion Phaneuf in a battle of the former Maple Leafs players. Sure, the Senators may not be the most appealing team outside of Erik Karlsson, but there’s intrigue there for sure.

3. The Ducks actually won a Game 7!

Nick Ritchie’s second goal of the postseason has sent the Ducks onto the Western Conference Final. More importantly, the Ducks actually won a Game 7! The Bruce Boudreau curse is no longer, as Anaheim has finally won their first home Game 7 in their last five tries.