Playoff Round 2 Game #4 Recap: Caps 3 Tampa Bay 5

In the end the Capitals just couldn't get it done. The team lost Game #4 5-3 and were swept out of this year's playoffs by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Washington had no answer for Tampa's 3rd line line of Sean Bergenheim, Dominic Moore and Steve Downie. The trio combined fro 2 goals and 6 point in Game 4 and gave the Capitals fits all series long. The game started with the Capitals sticking to their game plan and methodically trying to break the Tampa 1-3-1 trap defense but the Lightning scored the first goal with Alex Ovechkin in the box for a charging penalty. Washington responded with a power play goal of their own when Ovechkin's point shot deflected off Jason Arnott and Marco Sturm's shoulder into the net. At the beginning of the second period the Caps started getting sustained pressure in the Tampa zone but couldn't solve the Tampa goalie Dwayne Roloson. Then the Lightning counter attacked and in a goal mouth scramble the loose puck found its way onto Bergenheim's stick and he flipped it into the Capitals net for a 2-1 lead. Tampa stretched its lead to 3-2 when Begenheim put back a rebound from a Moore shot. Washington got renewed life a little over a minute later when John Erskine intercepted a clearing attempt and threw a shot at the net that beat a surprised Roloson to bring the Caps back to within one at 3-2. The goal was like a jolt of electricity to the Caps, who's energy level was noticeably raised. This carried over to the third period as the Caps swarmed the net but Sturm was called for goalie interference and the penalty kill went to work. After killing off the first minute of the penalty Tampa retook their two goal lead when a point shot beat a screened Michal Neuvirth who threw up his hands in frustration as the screen was by two of his own teammates. The Caps really began pressing and a turnover led to another Lightning goal. In a last attempt to get back in the game, Washington pulled Neuvirth for an extra attacker and John Carlson scored to bring the Caps back to within two. The Caps battled all the way to the final horn but it was not enough. All was done for this season's Washington Capitals. After all this team was been through this season it seemed like they were destined for much more but such is the way in sports. So, we say goodbye to this year's Washington Capitals but fear not, they will return again next fall to embark upon another marathon journey to claim the elusive Stanley Cup. I would like to add a big thank you to all the readers who have been following this year's team with me, it sure has been a lot of fun.

Of Note:

• Michal Neuvirth stopped 32 of 37 shots and finished the playoffs with a 4-5 record. He sported a 2.34 GAA and a save percentage of 0.912 in his 9 games. The rookie was solid and seemingly unflappable in net. The Caps have a real winner in this kid.
• Alex Ovechkin had 1 assist in Game 4 and 2 goals and 4 points in the series. In this year's playoffs he was easily the best player on the Capitals with 5 goals and 5 assists to boost his career playoff totals to 25 goals and 25 assists in 37 games.
• The Capitals gave up 2 power play goals on 5 attempts in Game 4 and finished the post season with 5 goals against on 38 chances while the power play went 5 for 35 with 1 power play goal in Game 4.
• Jason Arnott had 2 assists in the game and Brooks Laich had 1. Laich almost had a goal in the first period when he deflected a John Erskine shot square off the left post. 
• Boyd Gordon won 9 of the 12 face-offs and led the NHL in face-off percentage winning 68.8% of the draws he took.

Official Recap
Game Summary
Event Summary

Game Highlights:

Playoff Round 2 Game #4 Preview: Washington Capitals at Tampa Bay Lightning

Where: St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, FL

When:  May 4, 2011, 7:00 PM

History:           

All-Time Playoff Series Record vs. TAM: 0-1

All-Time Playoff Game Record vs. TAM: 2-7

Last Meeting: 2003, WAS 2 TAM 4

This Year:

WAS Record: 48-22-11

Standings Points: 107

Division Rank: 1st

Conference Rank: 1st

TAM Record: 46-25-11

Standings Points: 103

Division Rank: 2nd

Conference Rank: 5th    

2010-2011 Regular Season Series: 4-1-1

Nov. 11, 2010 WAS 6 TAM 3

Nov. 26, 2010 WAS 6 TAM 0

Jan. 4, 2011 WAS 0 TAM 1 (OT)

Jan. 12, 2011 WAS 0 TAM 3

Feb. 4, 2011 WAS 5 TAM 2

Mar. 7, 2011 WAS 2 TAM 1 (OT-SO)

Playoff Series Schedule and Results:

Apr. 29, 2011 WAS 2 TAM 4

May 01, 2011 WAS 2 TAM 3 (OT)

May 03, 2011 WAS 3 TAM 4

May 04, 2011 at Tampa

May 07, 2011 at Washington*

May 09, 2011 at Tampa*

May 11, 2011 at Washington*

*If required

Probable Line-Ups:     

Washington

Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 22 KNUBLE

Forward Line 2: 21 LAICH, 44 ARNOTT, 28 SEMIN

Forward Line 3: 25 CHIMERA, 90 JOHANSSON, 16 FEHR

Forward Line 4: 18 STURM, 15 GORDON, 10 BRADLEY

Defense Pair 1: 55 SCHULTZ, 52 GREEN

Defense Pair 2: 27 ALZNER, 74 CARLSON

Defense Pair 3: 4 ERSKINE, 23 HANNAN

Goalie: 30 NEUVIRTH

Back-up Goalie: 1 VARLAMOV

Tampa

Forward Line 1: 6 MALONE, 91 STAMKOS, 9 DOWNIE

Forward Line 2: 16 PURCELL, 4 LECAVALIER, 26 ST. LOUIS

Forward Line 3: 49 B. JONES, 19 MOORE, 10 BERGENHEIM

Forward Line 4: 18 HALL, 44 THOMPSON

Defense Pair 1: 2 BREWER, 5 OHLUND

Defense Pair 2: 7 CLARK, 39 LUNDIN

Defense Pair 3: 8 R. JONES, 77 HEDMAN

Defense Pair 4: 47 BERGERON

Goalie: 35 ROLOSON

Back-up Goalie: 41 SMITH

Injuries:

Washington – 3 POTI (upper body) IR, 6 WIDEMAN (lower body) DTD

TAM – 12 GAGNE (undisclosed) DTD, 13 KUBINA (undisclosed) DTD

Preview:

Its do or die time for the Capitals. They are in a 0-3 hole and must win the next 4 games to advance to the next round. It’s a daunting task but if it’s going to happen it starts tonight. The Capitals need to tighten up on their systems and play with what Tampa is giving them. They had a tremendous second period last night but followed it with a terrible third. Look for the Capitals to come out strong in the first period tonight and play an aggressive forecheck and funnel everything to the net. I expect a more even effort and the Caps will need contributions from its third and fourth lines. Alex Ovechkin has been good in this series but he is going to have to take his play to another level. It all starts here in Game 4. The Caps need a win and I think they get it.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 4 TAM 1

Official Preview

Playoff Round 2 Game #3 Recap: Caps 3 Tampa Bay Lightning 4

Washington wanted to start this game off right but ended up down 1-0 after the first period. The Caps put 13 shots on goal in the period but many were from long range and Tampa goalie Dwayne Roloson was looking large in the net. The second period saw Washington breakout with goals from Mike Knuble, John Carlson, and Alex Ovechkin. Kunble stuffed home an Ovechkin rebound to tie the score at 1-1 less than a minute into the period. The Caps went up 2-1 on a perfectly placed point shot from Carlson. Tampa tied the score 4 minutes later on a stuff in goal from Vinny Lecavalier. The Capitals would take a 3-2 lead when they finally scored on the power play. With two men in the box for Tampa, Mike Green's shot from the point was saved but the puck squirted out to the high crease area where Ovechkin pounced on it and beat Roloson over the glove. The Capitals should have been flying at that point but the third period was an utter disaster. Tampa came out strong and had the Capitals on the ropes. Five minutes in, they scored two goals in 24 seconds to take the lead and continued the pressure. Halfway through the period the Caps were being out shot 13-1. Washington would manage only 5 shots in the final frame. The game ended with Ovechkin losing the puck on a last gasp rush up ice. The 4-3 victory puts the Lightning firmly in control with a 3-0 in the series and Washington must win 4 in row to advance. Its a tough road to hoe but the teams return tomorrow for Game #4.

Of Note:

• Capitals goalie Michal Neuvirth kept the game close making some spectacular saves in the third period. In the game he stopped 26 of 30 shots which, unfortunately, wasn't good enough and he took his third consecutive loss.
• Alex Ovechkin was huge in the second period with a goal and an assist. In the series he has 2 goals, 3 points and 14 hits. He will need to come up big to spark his team in Game #4.
• John Carlson scored his first goal of the playoffs and was the only + player on the Caps but the defense was not up to par with the team combining for a total of 8 blocked shots on the night. The Capitals were averaging 20 blocks per game coming in to Game #3.
• Mike Knuble scored his second goal of the playoffs while Jason Chimera, Alexander Semin, Mike Green and Marcus Johansson each had an assist. 
• The Caps went 1 for 5 on the power play and killed off all 4 Tampa attempts.

Official Recap
Game Summary
Event Summary

Game Highlights:

Playoff Round 2 Game #3 Preview: Washington Capitals at Tampa Bay Lightning

Where: St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, FL

When:  May 3, 2011, 6:30 PM

History:           

All-Time Playoff Series Record vs. TAM: 0-1

All-Time Playoff Game Record vs. TAM: 2-6

Last Meeting: 2003, WAS 2 TAM 4

This Year:

WAS Record: 48-22-11

Standings Points: 107

Division Rank: 1st

Conference Rank: 1st

TAM Record: 46-25-11

Standings Points: 103

Division Rank: 2nd

Conference Rank: 5th    

2010-2011 Regular Season Series: 4-1-1

Nov. 11, 2010 WAS 6 TAM 3

Nov. 26, 2010 WAS 6 TAM 0

Jan. 4, 2011 WAS 0 TAM 1 (OT)

Jan. 12, 2011 WAS 0 TAM 3

Feb. 4, 2011 WAS 5 TAM 2

Mar. 7, 2011 WAS 2 TAM 1 (OT-SO)

Playoff Series Schedule and Results:

Apr. 29, 2011 WAS 2 TAM 4

May 01, 2011 WAS 2 TAM 3 (OT)

May 03, 2011 at Tampa

May 04, 2011 at Tampa

May 07, 2011 at Washington*

May 09, 2011 at Tampa*

May 11, 2011 at Washington*

*If required

Probable Line-Ups:     

Washington

Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 90 JOHANSSON, 22 KNUBLE

Forward Line 2: 21 LAICH, 19 BACKSTROM, 28 SEMIN

Forward Line 3: 25 CHIMERA, 44 ARNOTT, 16 FEHR

Forward Line 4: 18 STURM, 15 GORDON, 10 BRADLEY

Defense Pair 1: 55 SCHULTZ, 52 GREEN

Defense Pair 2: 27 ALZNER, 74 CARLSON

Defense Pair 3: 4 ERSKINE, 23 HANNAN

Goalie: 30 NEUVIRTH

Back-up Goalie: 1 VARLAMOV

Tampa

Forward Line 1: 6 MALONE, 91 STAMKOS, 9 DOWNIE

Forward Line 2: 16 PURCELL, 4 LECAVALIER, 26 ST. LOUIS

Forward Line 3: 49 B. JONES, 19 MOORE, 10 BERGENHEIM

Forward Line 4: 18 HALL, 44 THOMPSON

Defense Pair 1: 2 BREWER, 5 OHLUND

Defense Pair 2: 7 CLARK, 39 LUNDIN

Defense Pair 3: 8 R. JONES, 77 HEDMAN

Defense Pair 4: 47 BERGERON

Goalie: 35 ROLOSON

Back-up Goalie: 41 SMITH

Injuries:

Washington – 3 POTI (upper body) IR, 6 WIDEMAN (lower body) DTD, 22 KNUBLE (hand) DTD

TAM – 12 GAGNE (undisclosed) DTD, 13 KUBINA (undisclosed) DTD

Preview:

The Capitals head to Tampa for a must win in Game #3. Tampa leads the series 2-0 and the Capitals have yet to come through on the power play. They have gone 0 for 11 in the first two games and this has been the difference as the Bolts have converted one power play in each game. The Lightning have played a conservative trapping game and depended on strong goaltending to eke out two wins in Washington. I expect a much better game from the Capitals in Game #3. They need to settle down on the penalties and focus on retrieving the puck. This will be another tight low scoring game but look at the battles along the boards as an indicator of how this one will end up. Look for the Caps to convert on their power play chances and play a much cleaner day. With their backs against the wall I think Alex Ovechkin is due for a breakout game.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 2 TAM 1

Official Preview

Playoff Round 2 Game #2 Recap: Caps 2 Tampa Bay 3 (OT)

The Washington Capitals have dug themselves a deep hole with an overtime loss in Game #2. The Lightning scored at 6:19 of the extra session to take a 3-2 win and a 2-0 lead in the series. The Capitals will have to win 4 of the next 5 games to advance to the next round with Games 3 and 4 in Tampa this Tuesday and Wednesday.

The game opened with a back and forth first period that saw the Capitals and Lightning trading power play chances the Caps went 0 for 3 and Lightning struck on their second chance with less than a minute remaining in the period. The play in the second period was controlled by Washington and the home team finally broke through with a goal from Brooks Laich who crashed the net and knocked a rebound into the net to tie the game at 1-1. This followed 3 more failed power play attempts from the Capitals. In the frame Washington put 16 shots on goal but came away with only 1 goal. Tampa retook the lead mid-way through the third period after the Lightning got the Capitals defense scrambling around their own zone and a centering pass deflected off Mike Green's skate into the net. The Capitals fought back in the final ten minutes and, with the goalie pulled, Alex Ovechkin score the tying goal with 1:08 remaining in regulation.

In the overtime session the Capitals came out strong but failed to connect on several scoring opportunities. They out shot Tampa 5-3 in the extra period but a bad line change led to a 2-on-1 chance that doomed the boys in red. The Capitals showed they have the heart and the ability to win these games but their Achilles heel has been their power play performance. So far in the series the Caps are 0 for 11. If they have any hopes to advance they need to improve this area of their game. If Tampa is going to give us 5.5 chances they need to pay. This will be the difference in Game #3.

Of Note:

• For the second game in a row, Michal Neuvirth stopped 20 of 23 shots and took the loss. I don't think either loss was a product of his play. It will be interesting to see if Head Coach Bruce Boudreau will make ay changes in the net with the back-to-back games in Tampa.
• Alex Ovechkin was kept pretty much in check for most of the game but scored the big goal when it mattered. After a failed clear from the Tampa defense, Ovechkin went to the front of the net and and was in perfect position to tie the game with regulation time running out.
• The defense blocked 21 Tampa shots with 5 Capitals defenders blocking 3 each. The Caps have averaged 20 blocked shots in the 7 playoff games played.
• Brooks Laich got his first goal of the post season to with his 5 assists. His 6 points are good for second on the team in these playoffs.
• The Capitals out shot the Lightning 37 to 23 and lead the series 35 to 47. Unfortunately, they have scored 2 of fewer goals in 5 of the 7 games they have played in the post season.
• John Erskine, Brooks Laich, Nicklas Backstrom and Jason Arnott each had an assist for the Caps.

Official Recap
Game Summary
Event Summary

Game Highlights:

Playoff Round 2 Game #2 Preview: Tampa Bay Lightning at Washington Capitals

Where: Verizon Center, Washington, DC

When:  May 1, 2011, 7:00 PM

History:           

All-Time Playoff Series Record vs. TAM: 0-1

All-Time Playoff Game Record vs. TAM: 2-5

Last Meeting: 2003, WAS 2 TAM 4

This Year:

WAS Record: 48-22-11

Standings Points: 107

Division Rank: 1st

Conference Rank: 1st

TAM Record: 46-25-11

Standings Points: 103

Division Rank: 2nd

Conference Rank: 5th    

2010-2011 Regular Season Series: 4-1-1

Nov. 11, 2010 WAS 6 TAM 3

Nov. 26, 2010 WAS 6 TAM 0

Jan. 4, 2011 WAS 0 TAM 1 (OT)

Jan. 12, 2011 WAS 0 TAM 3

Feb. 4, 2011 WAS 5 TAM 2

Mar. 7, 2011 WAS 2 TAM 1 (OT-SO)

Playoff Series Schedule and Results:

Apr. 29, 2011 WAS 2 TAM 4

May 01, 2011 at Washington

May 03, 2011 at Tampa

May 04, 2011 at Tampa

May 07, 2011 at Washington*

May 09, 2011 at Tampa*

May 11, 2011 at Washington*

*If required

Probable Line-Ups:     

Washington

Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 21 LAICH

Forward Line 2: 18 STURM, 44 ARNOTT, 28 SEMIN

Forward Line 3: 25 CHIMERA, 90 JOHANSSON, 16 FEHR

Forward Line 4: 26 HENDRICKS, 15 GORDON, 10 BRADLEY

Defense Pair 1: 55 SCHULTZ, 23 HANNAN

Defense Pair 2: 27 ALZNER, 74 CARLSON

Defense Pair 3: 4 ERSKINE, 52 GREEN

Goalie: 30 NEUVIRTH

Back-up Goalie: 1 VARLAMOV

Tampa

Forward Line 1: 12 GAGNE, 91 STAMKOS, 9 DOWNIE

Forward Line 2: 16 PURCELL, 4 LECAVALIER, 26 ST. LOUIS

Forward Line 3: 6 MALONE, 19 MOORE, 10 BERGENHEIM

Forward Line 4: 18 HALL, 44 THOMPSON, 42 TYRELL

Defense Pair 1: 2 BREWER, 39 LUNDIN

Defense Pair 2: 7 CLARK, 5 OHLUND

Defense Pair 3: 13 KUBINA, 77 HEDMAN

Goalie: 35 ROLOSON

Back-up Goalie: 41 SMITH

Injuries:

Washington – 3 POTI (upper body) IR, 6 WIDEMAN (lower body) DTD, 22 KNUBLE (hand) DTD

TAM – None

Preview:

Nobody said this would be an easy journey and it’s clear the Tampa has come to play. The Capitals took a while to get back in the flow of things and they will need a full 60 minute effort to prevail in Game #2. Look for significant pushback from Washington as they let Tampa force the action in Game #1. The Caps need to get back to what they did well in round 1 which was tenacious puck retrieval and solid systems play. The other thing that would be nice would be finishing when they get the open look. Nicklas Backstrom and Alexander Semin each had golden opportunities to put the game out of reach but failed to convert. Watch for a much steadier team in Game #2. There will be some subtle changes made now that they know the matchups they are facing. The key for the Capitals will be the special teams. They need to convert on the power play and keep out of the box themselves. I am expecting a big game from Alex Ovechkin so watch for a more physical game with another tight score.  

Joe’s prediction: Caps 3 TAM 2

Official Preview

Playoff Round 2 Game #1 Recap: Caps 2 Tampa Bay Lightning 4

The Capitals looked out of sorts in the first five minutes of Game #1 and it led to the first opening period goal against in this year's playoffs. The six day layoff showed as the Lightning took the play to the Caps but Washington clawed back and got their legs back in the second ten minutes of the game. Alexander Semin evened the score when Marco Sturm deflected an outlet pass in the Tampa zone. Semin gathered the puck and fired a wicked wrister between Tampa goalie Dewayne Roloson's pads for a 1-1 score that would hold up until intermission. The Capitals were more steady coming out in the second and took the lead on an Eric Fehr score. Off a face-off in the Tampa zone Jason Chimera beat the defenseman off the boards and fed the puck to the slot where Fehr roofed it before Roloson could react. From there the Capitals went to the penalty box 3 times and lost their momentum. The Lightning saterted winning the board battles and tied the score when an attempted pass deflected off of Scott Hannan's stick and into the net. Caps goalie Michal Neuvirth had no chance on the play. On the final power play of the period for Tampa Bay, Neuvirth made the initial stop but the rebound was put back giving Tampa a 1-goal advantage with 32-seconds remaining in the period. The third period saw the Capitals frustrated by the Tampa 1-3-1 trap and Washington's inability to capitalize on two power play attempts. Tampa put the game away with an empty net goal in the game's final minute. Game #2 is Sunday in Washington.

Of Note:

• Michal Neuvirth stopped 20 of 23 shots he faced for his second playoff loss. The young goalie held the Caps in the game in the fist ten minutes and seems to make all the key saves when needed. The offense owes him a better effort in Game #2.
• Alexander Semin has goals in 3 consecutive games. Semin is battling well but needs to get more rubber to the net. He is shooting at over 18% and can help lift some of the pressure on the team.
• John Carlson was shaken up at the beginning of the third period and only played 14:39. Hopefully it is nothing major and will return to the lineup for Game #2.
• The Caps out shot the Lightning 28-24 but allowed the only power play goal in the game. The Bolts went 1 for 4 while the Caps were 0 for 5 with the extra man.
• In addition to the goals scored by Semin and Fehr, Jason Chimera, Marcus Johansson and Marco Sturm were each credited with one assist.

Official Recap
Game Summary
Event Summary

Game Highlights:

Playoff Round 2 Game #1 Preview: Tampa Bay Lightning at Washington Capitals

Where: Verizon Center, Washington, DC

When:  April 29, 2011, 7:00 PM

History:           

All-Time Playoff Series Record vs. TAM: 0-1

All-Time Playoff Game Record vs. TAM: 2-4

Last Meeting: 2003, WAS 2 TAM 4

This Year:

WAS Record: 48-22-11

Standings Points: 107

Division Rank: 1st

Conference Rank: 1st

TAM Record: 46-25-11

Standings Points: 103

Division Rank: 2nd

Conference Rank: 5th    

2010-2011 Regular Season Series: 4-1-1

Nov. 11, 2010 WAS 6 TAM 3

Nov. 26, 2010 WAS 6 TAM 0

Jan. 4, 2011 WAS 0 TAM 1 (OT)

Jan. 12, 2011 WAS 0 TAM 3

Feb. 4, 2011 WAS 5 TAM 2

Mar. 7, 2011 WAS 2 TAM 1 (OT-SO)

Playoff Series Schedule and Results:

Apr. 29, 2011 at Washington

May 01, 2011 at Washington

May 03, 2011 at Tampa

May 04, 2011 at Tampa

May 07, 2011 at Washington*

May 09, 2011 at Tampa*

May 11, 2011 at Washington*

*If required

Probable Line-Ups:     

Washington

Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 21 LAICH

Forward Line 2: 18 STURM, 44 ARNOTT, 28 SEMIN

Forward Line 3: 25 CHIMERA, 90 JOHANSSON, 16 FEHR

Forward Line 4: 26 HENDRICKS, 15 GORDON, 10 BRADLEY

Defense Pair 1: 55 SCHULTZ, 23 HANNAN

Defense Pair 2: 27 ALZNER, 74 CARLSON

Defense Pair 3: 4 ERSKINE, 52 GREEN

Goalie: 30 NEUVIRTH

Back-up Goalie: 1 VARLAMOV

Tampa

Forward Line 1: 12 GAGNE, 91 STAMKOS, 9 DOWNIE

Forward Line 2: 16 PURCELL, 4 LECAVALIER, 26 ST. LOUIS

Forward Line 3: 6 MALONE, 19 MOORE, 10 BERGENHEIM

Forward Line 4: 18 HALL, 44 THOMPSON, 42 TYRELL

Defense Pair 1: 2 BREWER, 39 LUNDIN

Defense Pair 2: 7 CLARK, 5 OHLUND

Defense Pair 3: 13 KUBINA, 77 HEDMAN

Goalie: 35 ROLOSON

Back-up Goalie: 41 SMITH

Injuries:

Washington – 3 POTI (upper body) IR, 6 WIDEMAN (lower body) DTD, 22 KNUBLE (hand) DTD

TAM – None

Preview:

The Capitals second round opponent is Southeast Division foe Tampa Bay Lightning. Washington advanced last Saturday against New York and has been waiting around to see whom they would next face. The Lightning series went to seven games with the Bolts winning just two nights ago. The two teams are intimately familiar with one another and it will be interesting to see how Game #1 unfolds. Will the Caps be rusty, will Tampa be tired or will both teams come out flying? I’m thinking the later. These teams don’t get along well and have players that can light up the scoreboard. In the first round Alex Ovechkin led Washington in scoring but he led the League in hits and played just 5 games. In the regular season the Capitals went 4-1-1 against Tampa but the two losses came in shutouts to Lightning starting goalie Dwayne Roloson. Roloson was the key to victory in the first round and led the League in save percentage in the first round. At the other end of the ice, Capitals rookie goalie Michal Neuvirth led the League in goals against average and was second in save percentage. This series will be a little more wide open with less grinding but secondary scoring will be a major factor in the series. Watch Alexander Semin, who scored 7 goals in 4 regular season games against the Lightning this year, to be the difference maker in this series. It’s going to be a battle to shut down the big time scorers and I see the Caps doing it in 6. Game #1 will see a hungry well rested Capitals team take it to the Lightning with the big guns firing on all cylinders.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 5 TAM 2

Official Preview

2011 Washington Capitals Playoff Schedule - Round 2

After defeating the New York Rangers in Round 1, the Capitals will face Southeast Division rival Tampa in Round 2. The #5 seed Lightning knocked out the #4 seed Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round 4 games to 3. Washington retains home ice advantage as the #1 seed. Here is the schedule for the series:

Game 1: Friday April 29, 7:00 PM at Washington

Game 2: Sunday May 1, 7:00 PM at Washington

Game 3: Tuesday May 3, TBD at Tampa

Game 4: Wednesday May 4, 7:00 PM at Tampa

Game 5*: Saturday May 7, 12:30 PM at Washington

Game 6*: Monday May 9, TBD at Tampa

Game 7*: Wednesday May 11, TBD at Washington

* If required

Playoff Round 1 Game #5 Recap: Caps 3 New York Rangers 1

The Capitals showed no signs of letting down at all in this one and advance to the second round of the playoffs with a 3-1 victory against the Rangers. Mike Green drew first blood in the game with a power play goal. After some rough play in the crease the puck popped out to Alex Ovechkin who wined and faked a slap shot that froze the man in front. Ovechkin instead passed the puck to Green whose initial shot was stopped but he followed the puck and deflected it in the net off a defender. A melee ensued as Ovechkin and Green celebrated and Brook s Laich took a punch to the head from Dan Girardi that appeared to hurt Girardi's hand. As the saying goes, "If you punch Brooks Laich, its you who gets hurt." Interesting enough, the goal was the only first period goal in the series for either team. It set the tone early with the Capitals dominating possession, getting the puck in deep and using a tenacious forecheck. Later in the first Green slid to block a shot and took another slap shot off his head. Green went to the dressing room and later sat on the bench but was held out for precautionary reasons. Hopefully, it will not result in another concussion that has limited his action since February. The second period featured more of the same with the Ranger unable to breakdown the Washington defense or when they did Michal Neuvirth was solid in goal. The Caps went up by two goals when Brooks Laich and Scott Hannan sprung Alex Ovechkin on the right wing. Ovechkin raced down beating All-Star Defenseman Marc Staal into the offensive zone and then beat All-Star goalie Henrik Lundqvist with a forehand, backhand move from right to left across the crease. The goal sent the sellout crowd into a frenzy and the Capitals kept pushing. In the third period with New York throwing all caution to the wind. Marcus Johansson took advantage and set up Alexander Semin with a sweet aerial pass on a 2-on-1. Semin finished it off and the Caps led 3-0. The Rangers scored with less than a minute remaining spoiling Neuvirth's shutout bid but not the day. The Caps and Rangers met at center ice for the traditional post series handshake as Washington advanced to round 2 winning 4 games to 1.

Of Note:

• Michal Neuvirth was the #1 Star of the game and finished the series stopping 140 of the 148 shots he faced. He sports a 0.946 save percentage and 1.38 GAA. Not bad for a rookie.
• Alex Ovechkin got the series clinching goal and an assist on the Mike Green score. In the five games he put up 3 goals and 3 assists for 6 points and led the team with 23 hits.
• Green was the only player to register points in all 5 games. He was second on the team in scoring, behind Ovechkin, with 1 goal and 4 assists for 5 points.
• The penalty killers stopped both New York power plays in Game 5 and allowed only 1 power play goal against in 20 chances in the series. That's a 95% kill rate. Not bad at all.
• The Rangers lead the regular season in blocked shots. In the series the Capitals blocked 104 shots to the Rangers 103. Karl Alzner and Jeff Schultz led the Caps with 15 blocks each in the five games.
• As he did throughout the series Boyd Gordon led the Capitals in the face-off dot. He won 12 of the 15 draws he took in Game 5 and was 69% effective in the five games.
• And finally hats off to Alexander Semin and Jason Chimera who came through in the Game #1 overtime and the Game #4 double overtime wins.

Official Recap
Game Summary
Event Summary

Game Highlights:

Playoff Round 1 Game #5 Preview: New York Rangers at Washington Capitals

Where: Verizon Center, Washington, DC

When:  April 23, 2011, 3:00 PM

History:           

All-Time Playoff Series Record vs. NYR: 3-2

All-Time Playoff Game Record vs. NYR: 18-15

Last Meeting: 2009, WAS 4 NYR 3

This Year:

WAS Record: 48-22-11

Standings Points: 107

Division Rank: 1st

Conference Rank: 1st

NYR Record: 44-33-5

Standings Points: 93

Division Rank: 3rd

Conference Rank: 8th    

2010-2011 Regular Season Series: 1-2-1

Nov. 9, 2010 WAS 5 NYR 3

Dec. 12, 2010 WAS 0 NYR 7

Jan. 24, 2011 WAS 1 NYR 2 (OT-SO)

Feb. 25, 2011 WAS 0 NYR 6

Playoff Series Schedule and Results:

Apr. 13, 2011 WAS 2 NYR 1 (OT)

Apr. 15, 2011 WAS 2 NYR 0

Apr. 17, 2011 WAS 2 NYR 3

Apr. 20, 2011 WAS 4 NYR 3 (2OT)

Apr. 23, 2011 at Washington*

Apr. 25, 2011 at New York*

Apr. 27, 2011 at Washington*

*If required

Probable Line-Ups:     

Washington

Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 21 LAICH

Forward Line 2: 18 STURM, 44 ARNOTT, 28 SEMIN

Forward Line 3: 25 CHIMERA, 90 JOHANSSON, 16 FEHR

Forward Line 4: 26 HENDRICKS, 15 GORDON, 10 BRADLEY

Defense Pair 1: 55 SCHULTZ, 23 HANNAN

Defense Pair 2: 27 ALZNER, 74 CARLSON

Defense Pair 3: 4 ERSKINE, 52 GREEN

Goalie: 30 NEUVIRTH

Back-up Goalie: 1 VARLAMOV

New York

Forward Line 1: 20 PROSPAL, 42 ANISIMOV, 10 GABORIK

Forward Line 2: 17 DUBINSKY, 21 STEPAN, 19 FEDOTENKO

Forward Line 3: 86 WOLKSKI, 22 BOYLE, 8 PRUST

Forward Line 4: 16 AVERY, 26 CHRISTENSEN, 23 DRURY

Defense Pair 1: 18 STAAL, 5 GIRARDI

Defense Pair 2: 27 MCDONAGH, 38 SAUER

Defense Pair 3: 28 MCCABE, 97 GILROY

Goalie: 30 LUNDQVIST

Back-up Goalie: 29 JOHNSON

Injuries:

Washington – 3 POTI (upper body) IR, (upper body) IR, 6 WIDEMAN (lower body) DTD, 22 KNUBLE (hand) DTD

NYR – BIRON (broken collarbone) IR, BOOGAARD (concussion) IR, FROLOV (knee) IR, CALLAHAN (ankle) IR

Preview:

Washington will try to close out the series at home in Game #5. After the Game #4 double overtime comeback from 3 goals down the Capitals cannot afford to let down as the Rangers will be even more desperate this time around. Jason Chimera was the hero in Game #4 but the next game-winner for the Capitals will be even bigger. With a 3-1 series lead everyone in bringing up last year’s collapse with the same lead but this is not last year’s team. With everything that has happened this season, this team is much more prepared for these moments. Expect another tight, hard checking game. The Rangers will try to get out to a fast start offensively so look for Washington to counter. It should be interesting to see if either team can score in the first period. The previous 4 games of the series have been scoreless after 1 period. I think that Washington will have a good start and in another close game pull out the victory.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 4 NYR 2

Official Preview

Playoff Round 1 Game #4 Recap: Caps 4 New York Ranger 3 (2OT)

It took 12:36 of the second overtime period for the Washington Capitals to come all the way back from the 3-0 hole they dug for themselves in the second period. After a hard hitting, scoreless first period the Caps were first pierced by a fluke goal that was shot from behind the net. The puck deflected off Matt Hendricks' skate and by Capitals goalie Michal Neuvirth for a 1-0 advantage for the hometown Rangers. Eight minutes later it got even worse. The Rangers' Ruslan Fedotenko circled the net and threw a backhand at the net that turned out to be a perfect pass to Marion Gaborik who stashed the puck for a 2-0 lead. Seven seconds later it was 3-0 when Fedotenko gained the zone and fired the puck wide but all five Caps were in traced by the puck and Fedotenko gathered the puck and fed the slot where the Rangers' Brandon Dubinsky blasted a one-timer home. It looked really bad for the visitors as the crowd serenaded Capitals Head Coach Bruce Boudreau for his comments about the general terribleness of their building and the unloudness of the fans. This fan wondered if it wouldn't be wise to pull young Neuvirth to save him from losing his confidence in the face of such terrible defensive breakdowns. But Boudreau held firm and that is why he is the head coach and I have an unpaid blog.

They must have put something in the water between periods because Washington looked like a different team in the third. Alexander Semin got the Caps on the board first when he intercepted a pass in the Ranger zone and fired it on net. New York goalie Henrik Lundqvist had trouble corralling the puck but appeared to cover it but play went on and it slid out and sat on the goal line where Semin tapped it in. Lundqvist argued that he had covered the puck but the whistle never blew so now it was 3-1. Less than a minute later Mike Green fed Brooks Laich coming into the offensive zone Laich breifly lost the puck in the left wing circle but regained the puck along the boards and fired a back door pass to Marcus Johansson who tapped the puck in at the far post. It was now a hockey game at 3-2. At the 12:07 mark the Caps would bring things back to level when John Carlson fired a slap shot from the left point that was clearly going wide but fortunately for the Capitals the puck hit Johansson at the side of the net and redirected straight in to tie the game at 3-3.

For the second time in the series the game went to sudden death overtime. In the first overtime the Capitals controlled much of the play but Lundqvist stood tall. Brooks Laich sent Alex Ovechkin in on a clear breakaway but Lundqvist stoned him with the glove. The Capitals had a golden opportunity when the Rangers were called for a delaying game penalty. The power play looked lively with Alexander Semin breaking down the defense and getting a couple of shots on but the Rangers held tough. The game went to the second overtime period. The teams looking more and more fatigued continued to battle but at the midway mark the Caps were caught with too many men on the ice. The Capitals penalty killers, although weary, were able to kill off the seventh Ranger power play on the night. The Caps kept pushing and were clearly the better team in the second overtime but just weren't getting that one bounce they needed. Finally they did when Jason Chimera took a drop pass at the Rangers blue line and fired a shot on goal and followed it to the net. Lunqvist made the save but was handcuffed by the puck. As he reached out to cover the free puck a defender tried to clear it to the corner but hit Chimera in the chest and the puck dropped in front of the empty net and Chimera tapped it in for the win and a 3-1 series advantage for the Capitals. The teams have two days off until they meet again on Saturday afternoon.

Of Note:

• Michal Neuvirth stopped 36 of 39 shots in the victory. His 1.45 goals against average is second best in the NHL playoffs so far.
• Marcus Johansson was named the game's #1 Star with 2 goals, a +3 rating, and he also made the little drop pass to Chimera on the game winner. 
• The Capitals plan to cut down on the penalties didn't work out so well. For the second game in a row they gave the Ranger 7 power play opportunities but the penalty killers were up to the task and killed off all 7. In the series the Caps have killed off 17 of 18. Not bad at all.
• With Mike Knuble out with an undisclosed injury Jason Chimera was elevated to the top line with Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. It didn't work out so well as the trio was on ice for two goals agaist but Chimera redeemed himself with the double overtime game-winning goal. He has 2 game winning goals in the series and 3 in 11 playoff games with Washington. Pretty clutch considering he only has 1 game-winner in 120 regular season game with the Capitals.
• The Capitals out shot the Rangers 53-39 in the game and came on big time in the third period and first overtime out shooting New York 13-7 and 13-9 in those frames.
• This was a big hitting game with the Ranger racking up 69 hits to the Caps 51. Matt Bradley led Washington with 7 hits in 10:59 of ice time.
• Mike Green, John Carlson, Karl Alzner and Brooks Laich each had 1 assist.
• Eric Fehr who replaced Knuble in the lineup was +3 in the game with 3 shots on goal and 3 hits.

Official Recap
Game Summay
Event Summary

Game Highlights: