For the fourth time Sunday night, as the prospect of a winner-take-all at Madison Square Garden grew closer and closer toward becoming reality, the Washington Capitals gathered and schemed for their fourth power play, more than they had seen in Games 4-5 combined. They trailed the New York Rangers by one goal, beneficiaries of both score effects and a dominant third period, still searching for the finishing push. Then a whistle blew and brought one last chance.
“New York penalty No. 45,” the official announced. “Two minutes for delay of game.”
James Sheppard’s clear attempt had appeared to strike glass on its way out of the rink, but the ruling stood.