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McMichael has his greatest game as a Capital in Game 2
Photo credit: RMNB
The Washington Capitals faced another challenge of protecting a late-game lead on Thursday, and this time, they executed perfectly to seal the win.
Connor McMichael truly embodied the team effort in the Capitals' 3-1 victory in Game 2, making a remarkable defensive play late in the game by giving it his all.
With a huge goal and defensive play to secure the win in Game 2 over the Hurricanes, McMichael had himself a game of a lifetime.
With just 6:23 remaining in the third period and the Capitals holding a 2-1 lead, McMichael made a crucial dive to intercept a cross-ice pass intended for a wide-open Jalen Chatfield.
#ALLCAPS good job mikey
Chris Cerullo from RMNB writes that while still sprawled face-first on the ice, McMichael displayed remarkable awareness, managing to bat the puck out of the zone and forcing the Hurricanes to clear it.
McMichael's selfless effort, along with the tough play from Trevor van Riemsdyk and Tom Wilson, was crucial in helping the Capitals maintain their narrow lead in yet another low-scoring game.
Here's what Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery had to say following his team's big Game 2 win.
«There's no doubt it's tight out there. There's not a lot. It's two teams competing every second of that 60 minutes. It is tight. It is back and forth. The pace is extremely high. You're trying to build the lead, but it's tough. There was a couple good looks in there, same thing in Game 1, but both goalies are playing great. «It's just not one of those series where I think anybody is going to feel comfortable. Two hard teams - really, really heavy, and the pace is extremely high.» -Carbery
McMichael also netted his fifth career playoff goal in the 3-1 victory, taking advantage of a breakaway opportunity after Hurricanes defenseman Sean Walker accidentally cleared the puck off Shayne Gostisbehere's neck. The goal gave the Capitals a 1-0 lead just 2:16 into the second period.
LET IT RIP, MIKEY
The Capitals were most effective at five-on-five with McMichael on the ice, posting positive differentials in shot attempts (+2) and shots (+1). They also went even (2-2) in high-danger chances. Washington will look for a similar performance when they hit the road to Carolina for Game 3 on Saturday night.
Game 3 goes at 6:00pm on Saturday in Carolina.
| POLL | ||
MAI 9 | 24 ANSWERS McMichael has his greatest game as a Capital in Game 2 Do you think Connor McMichael has been the most consistent player for the Capitals so far this postseason? | ||
| yes | 18 | 75 % |
| no | 6 | 25 % |
| List of polls | ||