The Penguins’ relentless forecheck finally took its toll. The dam was broken and on came the goals.
The Capitals never had a sniff last night. They came out hard in the third and at least made a period of it, but from Marc-Andre Fleury’s incredible stop on Ovechkin’s breakaway in the first, the Penguins were the better team, and they deserved the win.
To be brutally honest, I was surprised that it went to 7 games. Every game was a one-goal difference. The Capitals were outshot and outworked on the boards for 5 of 7 games, after winning the first two at home. A blowout was bound to happen. Just so happens it was Game 7 and the Caps don’t get another chance this year.
Breakdown day is tomorrow, and we’ll hear what has been ailing Mike Green, who has been nearly invisible in the playoffs.
Boston is my #2 team, so I’ll pull for them the rest of the way. Blackhawks are my #1 team in the west, so I’ll pull for them too. There’s still quite a bit of good hockey left to watch.
Well, I was hoping tonight would be an elimination game, but the Capitals got trounced on Wednesday night. Not trounced so much in the score though. Varlamov was out of his mind once again.
Some takeaways:
Caps gave their worst performance of the playoffs. Just horrid.
Penguins gave their best of the series for sure. I didn’t watch their last series.
Caps still forced OT.
Calls went one way all night. I’m not going to say that is bias, because when one team is in their own end all night being handled, they tend to take penalties. It comes with fatigue. However, I will say that when a player gets pushed into the net by an opposing player, and that player is called for delay of game… That’s iffy. And there were other calls just as iffy. But so it goes.
When we get some defense, we will be seriously tough to play. Varlamov has kept us in many, MANY games.
Caps are up in the series, two games to one. Tonight has the potential to be a huge momentum booster for the winning team. Unfortunately, game 5 is tomorrow so anything can happen then once fatigue sets in. I’m hoping for no OT tonight, and a win for the Caps of course.
Kunitz tried to take Varlamov’s head off with a crosscheck to the throat, but was only fined. As far as I’m concerned that means open season on winter chickens.
Crosby also had a hat trick, with the third goal coming after the aforementioned crosscheck to the throat that wasn’t called.
Game 2 Aftermath Summary:
Penguins throwing everything at the media. Alleging Ovechkin uses an illegal stick. Alleging the Caps are setting illegal picks on faceoffs. Pens fans hating Leonsis for restricting ticket purchases.
My take? Keep whining, Pens and Pens fans… That worked out so well for the Rangers.
Game 3 is tonight at Mellon Arena. They’ve declared today “Black & Gold Day”, but are calling for a white out. Not too bright up there. Of course, they are giving out white t-shirts to accomplish the latter. Something I’m proud to say Verizon Center never has to do to have the Red Rockin’ all night.
I’ll be at Bugsy’s, where I’ve watched every playoff road victory so far. Can’t break the cycle.
Saturday’s victory for the Capitals featured an amazing save by rookie goalie sensation Simeon Varlamov. This thing will be on highlight reels for a decade.
Tonight is Game 2. I hear Sidney’s been practicing into open nets all weekend, and likely having nightmares about Varlamov.
