Leave it to lucky No. 13.
With the stealth of a black (and gold) cat slipping from the shadows at the bewitching hour, Nick Bonino materialized–seemingly out of nowhere–to score the series-winner last night in Game 6 before an anxious throng at Consol Energy Center, effectively pounding a wooden stake through the Washington Capitals’ playoff hopes.
Led by the ubiquitous, bearded Bonino, GM Jim Rutherford’s acquisitions stood tall. Especially in a series where superstars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin combined for a lone goal and three assists.
Indeed, the “newcomer” line of Bonino, Carl Hagelin, and Phil Kessel proved to be the difference in last night’s electric 4-3 overtime triumph over the Capitals.