Despite trailing in the third period, the New York Islanders are heading to the Stanley Cup Playoffs thanks to Thomas Hickey‘s OT goal.
- New York Islanders 4 (44-26-9)
- Washington Capitals 3 (55-17-7)
- NHL, Final, Box Score
- Verizon Center, Washington D.C.
The New York Islanders used a Thomas Hickey goal 2:13 into overtime to give themselves a 4-3 win in Washington D.C. against the Capitals.
This clinched a playoff berth for John Tavares‘s club.
Speaking of Tavares, it was his beautiful setup that allowed Hickey to net the winner past Braden Holtby (video above).
The never-say-die Isles refused to quit after Alexander Ovechkin gave the Caps an early 3-1 third period lead. Kyle Okposo and Nick Leddy tallied the goals that allowed New York to even things up.
Prior to Hickey’s game-winner, backup goaltender Christopher Gibson made not one, but two point-blank stops.
Next up for the fourth-place Isles will be the Rangers in Manhattan.
3 Stars of the Game:
- Hickey (Islanders – D): Goals: 1, Assists: 1
- Oshie (Capitals – RW): Goals: 1, Assists: 2
- Ovechkin (Capitals – LW): Goals: 2, Assists: 0