First Period:
The Ducks came out ready to play and pressured the tired Capitals from the get-go. Anaheim controlled the first half of the period and at one point had an 8-2 lead in shots.
Washington still managed to get the most dangerous scoring chance of the opening twenty minutes. While Bernier was behind the net ready to control a dump-in, the puck hit a stanchion and bounced into the slot. Bernier was able to make the initial save, but Bieksa inadvertently put the puck under and through his goalie. Although the puck crossed the goal line, the play was already blown dead.