Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals between the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers went much the same way the first four games have. It was a tense, low-scoring affair decided by one goal with the Rangers staying alive thanks to a Ryan McDonagh game-winner in overtime for a 2-1 victory.
Defense and goaltending have defined most of this series. Only once in five games has either team scored more than two goals—Washington in Game 2—and every game has been decided by one goal.
The Capitals were within two minutes of advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals before Chris Kreider fired a shot past Braden Holtby that appeared to deflect off Brooks Orpik's skate that evened the score at one.