Then, Braden Holtby happened.
The Capitals netminder pulled off a remarkable paddle save on Vegas forward Alex Tuch with less than two minutes remaining in regulation to preserve his team’s 3-2 win and send NHL Twitter into a frenzy in the process.
Here’s another look at the remarkable stop from above.
The play was expected to be such a sure-fire goal that the staff at T-Mobile Arena even put “GOAL” up on the Jumbotron.
Here’s how Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin reacted after seeing the replay on that same big screen.
Former Washington netminder Olaf Kolzig, who made a few highlight reel stops of his own over his 17-year career, called it the best he’s ever seen.
Other former players and NHL analysts also took to Twitter to have their say.
Meanwhile, this Capitals fan at Capital One Arena for the Game 2 watch party probably still doesn’t understand what he just saw.
After the game, Holtby’s teammates recalled their reactions to their goaltender’s heroics.
Yet despite all of the praise, this was just another day in the office for the Capitals netminder.
Holtby made 37 saves in the Capitals win, but this one will certainly be remembered.
