Vitek Vanecek made a new best friend on Sunday – the post to his immediate left.
The Washington Capitals goalie was so happy after Buffalo Sabres forward Taylor Hall caught the iron on his glove side on a penalty shot in the third period he leaned over and gave it a pretend kiss.
Hall was awarded a penalty shot after he was held on a breakaway with the score tied at three midway through the third. Hall rocketed a wrist shot that eluded Vanecek but hit the left post hard and sailed away.
Vanecek showed his gratitude with a stick tap then a smooch right after.
The post, and Vanecek’s 45 saves, helped the Capitals collect a point, but Jack Eichel beat him in the shootout, lifting the Sabres past the Capitals 4-3.
