We got ourselves a series!

Caps needed a win in Game #3 and came up HUGE! Now that was playoff hockey. It was the first time that the Caps looked like they were comfortable and knew what they were doing in the playoffs. They didn't play like they were pressing or anything. They played with passion and control. Boudreau had said that we played pretty well in the first two games and probably good enough to win in the regular season but that effort won't cut it in the playoffs. To win in the playoffs, you need great goaltending, you need to play great defense, you need to be able to crash the net and be scrappy around the net, you need to be willing to sacrifice your body on checks and blocking shots, and you need to show control and not take stupid penalties. The Caps did all of the above last night and we were rewarded with a strong win.

One of the big stories was the play of Simeon Varlamov. I love this kid. He came up with some tremendous saves and you need that in playoff hockey. In every game, the goalie of the winning team will need to come up with a couple of great saves and he did that. I also love that he again gave Avery a shot at the end of the game and frustrated the frustator. All night Avery was angry and we turned the tables on him. I also love how we showed control and didn't get baited in by Avery. Avery gave John Erskine a shot to the face and Erskine didn't respond. If he did, he could have easily pulverized the scrappy Avery but he showed control and let Avery take the penalty. That is what we need. It was just another difference b/t last night and the previous two games in that we demonstrated poise and control. Going back to Varlamov, I just can't say enough about the kid. He played like a seasoned vet and the guy that can carry this team. I don't want to put too much on the guy and too much on two playoff games but still, I love what I see from him.

I also have to say that the entire team was much more aggressive and we didn't just settle for outside shots or have individuals try to take it on their own to make something happen. We got close to the net and we were scrappy and we hit the ice when we needed to. Loved the play where Ovie got on the ice to block the shot and then Varlamov came up big with a save and then the two of them gave each other slaps on the back for good play. It was indicative of the night on how guys were sacrificing and confident in each other. Also, Backstrom's passes all night were fantastic. The last assist to Poti was perfect in that Poti made a run to the net. Backstrom saw him and did a backhand, no look perfect pass to him for the easy goal.

The other big thing about last night's game was that we jumped out to the lead and then the play of the game was when the Rangers had a break and their guy hit the inside of the post and the puck bounced behind Varlamov and then the Caps came right down and scored making it 2-0. Essentially, it was a two point swing because the Rangers almost tied it. We were able to take the crowd out quickly and many of their fans were walking out midway through the third period. All in all just a perfect game.

As great as the game was, we have to gear up for Game #4 tomorrow night. No question the Garden will be rocking again and the Rangers will come out with more drive. The pressure has really shifted to them because another loss ties the series and will send it back to D.C. for Game #5. It should be a good one. I expect more of the same. I also expect the Rangers to play with more passion. The keys to the game will be to jump out to the lead and again, to play with control and as a team.