For all the world, it looked as if Johan Hedberg had no chance. His body was contorted awkwardly amid a maze of traffic to the left of his goal crease, and the Washington Capitals' Jeff Halpern had the puck on his stick, poised for an easy flick into the vacated side.
Some goaltenders quit on the play.
Some get frustrated and take a whack at those interfering with them. And some remain cool enough to think a save is still possible. And as he lay flat and sprawled, all he managed to get between the shooter and the target was his right arm. That was enough. His desperation fall was timed just right so that Halpern's backhander grazed off his elbow and skittered wide of the net.