This Date in Caps History - December 2
Comment
Print
On December 2, 1997, the Capitals scrambled their way to an exciting, 3-2 overtime win over the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
The Caps jumped out in front on Chris Simon's first period power play goal; Adam Oates and Phil Housley picked up the assists. New York's Alexei Kovalev tied the game midway through the second with a power play score. Washington answered with 3:25 left in the second. Calle Johansson netted another power play goal, with Oates and Housley assisting again.
The Rangers outshot the Caps 11-5 in the third, but neither team was able to light the red lamp. In overtime, the Capitals dominated play. With 1:15 left in the extra session, Joe Juneau simultaneously absorbed a hit in the slot and banged a rebound past New York netminder Mike Richter. Knocked to the deck by the hit, Juneau celebrated his game-winner while lying on the ice.
Three nights later, the Caps won their first-ever game at MCI Center in similar fashion when Jeff Toms scored an overtime game-winner against the Florida Panthers.
