Capitals defenseman Brooks Orpik isn't known for his offense. When the Capitals signed the rugged veteran, they didn't expect him to pitch in much from the blueline. But during Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, Orpik might have scored his biggest goal as a Capital.
Alex Ovechkin broke the tie at 5:38 of the second period — his first in a Stanley Cup Final game, for those keeping score — giving the Capitals took a 2-1 lead. As the Golden Knights continued to press forward, Orpik took advantage of some of Las Vegas' infectious luck.
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Orpik's shot deflected off of Alex Tuch's skate and past Marc-Andre Fleury to cushion Washington's lead nearly four minutes after Ovechkin's tally.
Brooks Orpik's first goal since February 26, 2016 could NOT have come at a better time. 3-1, Washington. #ALLCAPS #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/xk64N3agyQ
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) May 31, 2018
Orpik has played 332 games with the Capitals, but has only scored three times throughout his four-year tenure with Washington — all coming during the 2015-16 season. He's been held scoreless since February 26, 2016 against the Minnesota Wild. The Vegas Golden Knights weren't even a thought in Feb. 2016.