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A first for Cup thirst: Capitals claim franchise’s first ever win in Stanley Cup Final

Posted at 11:19 PM, May 30, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-30 23:43:42-04

Braden Holtby of the Washington Capitals makes a diving stick-save. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – It’s just one. But it’s one for the history books.

Wednesday, the Washington Capitals defeat the Vegas Golden Knights, 3-2 to claim the franchise’s first ever victory in a Stanley Cup Final. The best of seven series is tied 1-1 as the series shifts to Washington, D.C. for Saturday’s game three.

Vegas struck first with a goal from James Neal 7:58 into the first period. Washington’s Lars Eller knotted the game at one with a goal in the final four minutes of the first.

Andre Burakovsky of the Washington Capitals celebrates. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Captain Alex Ovechkin’s first Stanley Cup Final goal put the Caps ahead 5:38 into the second period. That goal was followed by a Brooks Orpik score just past the midway point of the second period.

With the Capitals clinging to a 3-2 lead late in the third period, goaltender Braden Holtby turned-in the play of the game and arguably the save of the season when he stoned Alex Tuch with just two minutes to play in the game.

Puck drops at 8:00 p.m. Saturday at Capital One Arena for game three of the Stanley Cup Final.