Capitals winger Mike Knuble presented linemate Joel Ward with two gifts from one puck.
Knuble left Ward a juicy rebound that he backhanded by goalie Tim Thomas [stats] at 2:57 of overtime last night to lift the Capitals to a 2-1 victory over the Bruins [team stats] in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.
Knuble was presented the game-winning puck after the play, knowing he wasn't the rightful owner. Following the ceremonial postgame handshake and a lively clubhouse interview, Knuble handed the decorated NHL-issue playoff puck to Ward.
"This is it right here," said Knuble as he shifted the puck between his hands. "I'm in charge of the puck right now but it's going to Joel, he deserves it."
Knuble, who played for the Bruins from 1999-2004, enjoyed his moments with the puck because he made the play that advanced the Caps to the next round.
Knuble emerged from a crowd along the Capitals' blue line after blocking a clearing attempt by Benoit Pouliot and made a hard dash up the left boards. Knuble maintained possession as he violated Bruins space and skated an open lane to Thomas' doorstep.
Knuble turned his body to the play and backhanded the puck off Thomas pads. Ward crossed in front of the Bruins crease, picked up the rebound and scored his first goal of the playoffs. Knuble admitted his generosity was unintended.
"I was just kind of coming through the pile and (the puck) caught me square on the knees and I kicked out there," said Knuble. "They were in a change and all of a sudden we are going the other way and you can't believe where you are on the ice with a 2-on-2.
"Ward wasn't going to get the pass, I was going to the crease with that one and I was going to jam it in myself one way or another. I'm glad he added the finish there at the end."
Ward and Knuble were on the same wavelength as they cruised down opposite wings toward their final destination. Ward figured out by the blue line that Knuble had no intention of sharing the puck.
"Nubs made a big block there and then made a break up ice that we tried to take advantage of," Ward said. "I knew he was going to carry it to the rack and I just tried to follow the play.
"I just saw the puck laying there and I took a whack at it. It happened so fast, but I knew he was going to take the puck to the net. I wasn't really looking for a pass across. I was just trying to follow it up just in case the puck squirted loose or a rebound."
Knuble and Ward were fourth-line extras in coach Dale Hunter's game plan and the most unlikely offensive heroes to appear on the Capitals' scoring summary.
Knuble was a healthy scratch in the first three games and was activated when Nicklas Backstrom was suspended for Game 4. Ward had not played longer than 12 minutes in the previous six games and had two assists.
"It's great that we chipped in Game 5 here in Boston and then to come back here with one late tonight," Knuble said. "It's a big thrill for Joel and for me and it is always a thrill with the fourth-line guys."
