Despite the unfortunate outcome, the Capitals’ 2-1 triple-overtime loss to the New York Rangers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals won’t soon be forgotten, taking a place alongside these other memorable Caps overtime playoff games: 5. June 4, 1998, Capitals 3, Sabres 2 (OT) » Joe Juneau’s fourth game-winning goal of the playoffs was his best, sending Washington past Buffalo in six games to get it to the Stanley Cup finals for the first time — and helping the Caps avoid losing a 3-1 series lead.
4. June 11, 1998, Red Wings 5, Capitals 4 (OT) » It’s easy to think Washington got blown out in the 1998 Stanley Cup Finals. But after losing Game 1 to Detroit 2-1, the Caps had a two-goal lead twice in Game 2. Only when Esa Tikkanen missed an open net in the third period for what could have been the game-winner did a sweep become inevitable.
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3. April 24, 1996, Penguins 3, Capitals 2 (4OT) »
The same Juneau who would be a hero in 1998 missed a penalty shot in the second overtime of Game 4 in this Eastern Conference quarterfinal. Two overtimes later, Petr Nedved gave Pittsburgh the winner.
2. April 18, 1987, Islanders 3, Capitals 2 (4OT) » Washington squandered a 3-1 series lead over the Islanders to set up a Game ?7. The first game to go to four overtimes since 1951 was ended by Pat LaFontaine’s winner after 128 minutes of hockey.
1. April 16, 1988, Capitals 5, Flyers 4 (OT) » With the Caps having rallied from a 3-1 series deficit in the opening round of the playoffs to force a Game 7, Dale Hunter capped off a comeback from 3-0 down with the series winner in the first extra period, solidifying his place in franchise lore.
– Craig Stouffer
