Caps take what would seem an insurmountable 3-1 series lead over the Canadiens pretty much thanks to the heroics of Varly again. We were atrocious in the second period but Varly had about 4 fantastic saves that kept the game close.
The turning point in the game was when Knuble scored a shorthanded goal right before the end of the second period. That sucked the life out of the crowd and was a real momentum shifter.
Here is a quick analysis by period:
Period 1: Good to see Ovie score early on to take the 1-0 lead. Canadiens tied it at 1-1 and it was a pretty even battle at that point. I was fine to go into the intermission tied.
Period 2: Varly, Varly, and more Varly!!! The guy was brilliant in net. We were completely outplayed and outshot and Varly came up huge time and again to keep us in the game. Canadiens were still able to get one in to make it 2-1 and then got a power play at the end of the period. Crowd was roaring but Knuble's shorthanded goal was devastating for the Canadiens and again, was the turning point.
Period 3: Caps take over. Ovie got the eventual lead changing goal and we never looked back. Chimera got a goal and then a couple of empty netters by Backstrom and Knuble put it all out of reach. Again, we showed our superiority and the series looks all but over at this point.
The big concern is that we have not been able to put an entire game together. We have had stretches and even full periods that we seem to take off. This will not fly as we go deeper in the playoffs. We have to play hard for the full 60 minutes (plus OT if needed). Also, Semin has to score and get that monkey off his back.
Still, I am happy to be where we are and right now it looks like our next opponent will be the Flyers (don't like looking ahead but I'm going to do it anyway). If it does end up being the Flyers, I actually feel we will have an easier time with them than the Canadiens.
Hopefully we finish off the Canadiens tomorrow at Verizon.
LETS GO CAPS!!!!
1 comment:
Varly! That's what I'm talking about. The guy has talent - if he stays confident then he is awesome. As a young guy, I think he sometimes has gotten down on himself, but the way he flashed the leather in the second period was something special.
He won that game for the Caps last night.
My concern - which you share - is their D falls asleep too often.
Post a Comment