The Washington Capitals opened the 2007 pre-season strong, but cannot hold on, as Erik Cole tallied with just 47.2 ticks left in overtime.
The Caps, skating without the top line of Ovechkin, Semin and Nylander, took control early, building a 2-0 lead after two periods on Mike Green's unassisted goal with less than two minutes to go in the first period and first-year pivot Nicklas Backstrom's first point as a Cap 8:13 into the second. During those first two periods, back-up netminder Brent Johnson looked sharp, stopping all 12 shots sent his way.
In the third, Johnson gave way to goaltender Michal Neuvirth and the fireworks started for Carolina. The rookie from the Czech Republic gave up goals to Noah Babin and Erik Cole 52 seconds apart, a third of the way through the third period, tying the contest at two a piece.
Ben Clymer answered with just over two minutes remaining in regulation to give the Caps a 3-2 edge, but Carolina answered back with the first of two last second shots on the night. With exactly a minute to go before the final horn, Justin Williams buried the puck in the net, sending the game into overtime.
Just as in regulation, the Canes rallied in the waning moments of overtime, as Erik Cole sealed the victory with his second goal of the night.
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