Ward scores with 1.3 seconds left, Capitals beat Rangers 2-1

Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson (74) congratulates goalie Braden Holtby (70) after the Capitals defeated the New York Rangers 2-1 in Game 1 of the second round of the NHL Stanley Cup hockey playoffs Thursday, April 30, 2015, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson (74) congratulates goalie Braden Holtby (70) after the Capitals defeated the New York Rangers 2-1 in Game 1 of the second round of the NHL Stanley Cup hockey playoffs Thursday, April 30, 2015, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

By Associated Press April 30, 2015 3 min read

NEW YORK (AP) – Joel Ward scored with 1.3 seconds left to give the Washington Capitals a 2-1 victory over the New York Rangers on Thursday night in Game 1 of their second-round series.

Ward drove to the net and tapped Alex Ovechkin’s feed past Henrik Lundqvist. After the goal was confirmed by replay, Ovechkin kissed Ward on the cheek.

Following a mostly ceremonial faceoff, the teams skirmished at center ice.

Ovechkin opened the scoring on a power play with 1:47 remaining in the first period. Jesper Fast tied it with 4:39 left in the third, tipping Kevin Hayes’ point shot past goalie Braden Holtby.

Holtby made 31 saves, and Lundqvist stopped 27 shots.