After a concerning performance in Game 1, the Washington Capitals evened up their second-round series with the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday with a 3-1 victory in Game 2.
In the locker room, Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery saluted his team on their performance, calling out several players for their contributions in big moments.
Spencer Carbery’s post-game victory speech
Per the Capitals’ locker room video on social media:
Spencer Carbery: Mikey getting us on the board
(Alex Ovechkin yells “Jesus” at Connor McMichael while another player screams “Savior!”)
Spencer Carbery: That second goal becomes f***ing massive. Power play, Johnny great f***ing job.
John Carlson: Empty net, babe.
Alex Ovechkin: F***ing Norris.
Spencer Carbery: And this guy was f***ing unbelievable again tonight. LT.
(Everyone claps)
Player of the game award
Thompson, the winner of the playoff game puck after the team closed out the Montreal Canadiens in Game 5, picked Carlson as the player of the game.
Logan Thompson: Huge win, one more on this long journey. Guy started off the second. John.
(Thompson high fives John Carlson and then they hug.)
Team chants: Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
(Carlson places game puck in correct divot on Stanley Cup board.)
Carlson’s game-winner came 1:54 into the third period after taking a gorgeous pass from Tom Wilson on the power play.
Per NHL PR, the tally marked the tenth time Carlson factored on a game-winning tally in his postseason career, surpassing Scott Stevens for the most by a Capitals defenseman.
Carlson skated 25:07 of ice time, the most of all Capitals players, in Game 2.
