Evgeny Kuznetsov scored twice and added an assist as the Washington Capitals trounced the New York Islanders 5-1 in Thursday's Game 5, taking a 3-2 series lead in their Eastern Conference quarterfinal.
Star Performer: Kuznetsov scored his first career playoff goal to tie the game at 1-1 in the first period, then added an insurance marker in the third and assisted on Jason Chimera's goal that iced the contest.
Turning Point: Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner broke the 1-1 tie when he scored midway through the second period.
Goalie Comparison: Islanders goaltender Jaroslav Halak was replaced by Michal Neuvirth after surrendering Chimera's goal. Capitals netminder Braden Holtby was solid in Washington's win.
| Goalie | Shots | GA | Saves | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halak | 35 | 5 | 30 | .857 |
| Neuvirth | 6 | 0 | 6 | 1.00 |
| Holtby | 23 | 1 | 22 | .957 |
Top Highlight:
Kuznetsov's first goal was the most memorable play of the game. He batted the puck out of mid-air and past Halak.
(Courtesy: NHL.com)
Stat of the Night: Kuznetsov's milestone night put him in a rather exclusive club:
.@Kuzya92 (2-1—3) is 2nd player in @washcaps history to record 1st 3 career playoff PTS in same game (Gonchar: 2-1—3 in 1995). @EliasSports
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) April 24, 2015
Series at a glance:
Game 1: Islanders 4, Capitals 1
Game 2: Capitals 4, Islanders 3
Game 3: Islanders 2, Capitals 1 (OT)
Game 4: Capitals 2, Islanders 1 (OT)
Game 5: Capitals 5, Islanders 1
Game 6: Saturday, April 25, TBA
Game 7*: Monday, April 27, TBA
*If necessary
