Game 1 between the Washington Capitals and the Toronto Maple Leafs was a physical affair in which the Capitals emerged with a narrow 3-2 OT victory. There were plenty of highlights from the Caps’ comeback win, but one of our favorites came from Toronto goaltender Frederik Andersen.
Holding on to a 2-1 lead in the second period, the Leafs were trying their best to absorb a physical push from the Capitals. The Caps were starting to really throw their weight around, dishing out several big hits in quick succession. When a loose puck was headed behind the Maple Leafs net, Andersen decided to get in on the action.
Check out this sweet hip check from the Toronto goalie:
Who says goalies can’t get in on the fun?
As Andersen went to play the puck, he quickly realized that Washington’s Brett Connolly was speeding in to try and win the puck. Andersen put himself between Connolly and the puck which resulted in one hell of a hip check.
The Capitals completed their comeback with a goal in overtime from Tom Wilson, but Andersen can’t be blamed too heavily for his play. Andersen ended the night by stopping 41 of 44 shots … to go along with one sweet hit.
