Capitals blow out Panthers, 6-1, in Game 3 to take 2-1 series lead
On Saturday afternoon, the Washington Capitals scored six unanswered goals to rout the Florida Panthers, 6-1, in Game 3 of their opening-round playoff series.
The Capitals, who made the postseason as the second wild card in the Eastern Conference, have shocked the President Trophy-winning Panthers, now leading the best-of-seven series, 2-1.
Florida's Jonathan Huberdeau opened the scoring just 2:45 into the first period on Saturday. However, it was all Washington on the scoreboard from that point forward.
The Panthers led 1-0 for most of the opening period, but the lead was short-lived. T.J. Oshie's power-play goal got the Capitals on the board with under a minute to go in the first, and the teams went into the intermission tied 1-1.
In the second period, Marcus Johansson broke the tie at 9:51 before Trevor van Riemsdyk increased Washington's lead to 3-1 late in the period.
Washington would continue to add on in the third period, as Alex Ovechkin, John Carlson and Garnet Hathaway tallied goals.
Capitals goaltender Ilya Samsonov recovered nicely after allowing the early first-period goal, making 29 saves to earn the victory in net.
The Capitals will look to take a commanding 3-1 series lead over the top-seeded Panthers in Game 4 on Monday at 7 p.m. ET.
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