Washington Capitals forward Jakub Vrana scored the winning goal in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final on Sunday, becoming the first Capitals player to score in consecutive Stanley Cup finals since John Stockton in 1995 and 1996.
The Capitals had already won Game 1 on Friday, so Vrna had already qualified for the playoffs.
But the goal helped them win in regulation, making it the fourth straight time they’ve won in the series.
Washington Capitals forward Jaromir Jagr celebrates with defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk after scoring a goal during the third period of Game 3, which the Capitals won in overtime, at the Verizon Center on Sunday.
The final shot was off the post by Capitals goalie Braden Holtby, but Vrane hit the post with his stick.
He hit it right into the net and a wave of fans erupted.
“It was a great moment.
It was the first time I’ve seen that,” Capitals forward Brooks Laich said.”
They got the win and it was just great to see the passion, the enthusiasm and the emotion from the crowd, it was unbelievable.”
The Capitals, who lost Game 1 in six before winning Game 2, had been outscored 14-4 in the first period.
Washington had 10 power-play goals in the game.
“The goal was great,” Capitals coach Barry Trotz said.
“It was one of those things that when it goes in it usually does.
But he did it and it’s one of the best goals you can have in a Stanley Cup final.”
Holtby was a little disappointed he missed the first chance to score.
The goal came after a 2-on-1 break in the third.
Holtby took a shot from behind the net to the side of the net, but it skated off his skate and landed in his hands.
“I didn’t know if it was going to go in or not,” Holtby said.
The puck got to me, so I just tried to pull it out of the back of my net and I just kind of put it in.
“The Capitals were down 3-2 with 3:12 left in the second period, and Holtby had a chance to tie it.
But Holtby skated out of his crease to make a backhand shot from the point.
The puck bounced off his skates and bounced off the boards, then landed in the net.”
That’s how he skated it,” Capitals defenseman Andre Burakovsky said.
