Tom Wilson sneaks game-winner past Frederik Andersen for Capitals in OT

The Maple Leafs gave the Capitals a scare at home in Game 1 on Thursday night, but Tom Wilson’s squeaker in overtime saved Washington.

Of all the shots for Frederik Andersen to let in, it was shocking that Tom Wilson’s soft shot in overtime was the one to take home the series opener for the Capitals.

After keeping his team in it for most of the game with a tough Capitals team, some wondered if we were seeing the usual Capitals collapse to a young Maple Leafs team through most of Game 1.

The Maple Leafs took an early 2-0 lead in the first period on goals from Mitch Marner and Jake Gardiner, and many fans on Twitter were quick to point out Washington’s struggles in the postseason the last few years. The underdog Maple Leafs looked primed to steal a game in Washington, something many wouldn’t have seen coming.

The Capitals quickly bounced back with a Justin Williams goal midway through the first period, and another from Williams late in the second closed the gap. The two remained scoreless, with Andersen standing on his head with 32 saves going into overtime to keep the young Maple Leafs in the game.

It seemed like nothing could go in the Capitals’ favor in the beginning of overtime, and an impressive pad save by Andersen while the goalie was falling backwards made it seem like no one was going to score for the Capitals.

After making crazy save after crazy save for Toronto, something had to give in net for the Maple Leafs.

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Shortly after his impressive save above, Andersen finally let one slip on a shot from Tom Wilson that almost seemed to just be looking for a rebound. While many will focus on the solid goaltending Andersen did display, others will judge a goalie on what he couldn’t save.

The Capitals took home a much-needed Game 1 win and momentum boost, and will look to come back stronger at home on Saturday.