In Game Six the Capitals exposed Henrik Lundqvist high glove to the weak side.
With five minutes left in Game Seven, Sergei Fedorov proved that he was taking notes.
Walking in on a seemingly harmless rush, Fedorov was able to pull up to the outside of Wade Redden and snap one top corner short side on the Rangers' netminder.
Game. Set. Match.
After dominating the first period, the Rangers were only able to muster seven shots on net in periods two and three. Despite the Caps being outplayed early, and falling behind on a Nik Antropov marker, Alexander Semin was able to knot the contest at one on a flukey rush that saw the puck deflect off of Ryan Callahan, then Dan Girardi, and into the back of the cage.
Alex Ovechkin was a non-factor. Sean Avery was the best player on the ice. But, as has been the theme in this series, it's all about who can finish their chances, not who outplays who.
Simeon Varlamov was able to stymie the Rangers on some great scoring chances early, which loomed large since the Blueshirts were unable to generate much offense throughout the rest of the game. They missed out on a key chance, their only chance, to put their stamp on this game.
You can't overlook what Sergei Fedorov brings to the Caps. Experience. Excellent defensive play. Face-off wins. Leadership. And, it goes without saying, some timely offense.
As a Rangers fan, I hate to say it - the better team won. Best of luck to the Capitals going forward...
Over in Newark, the Devils fans had a lot to be happy about with under two minutes left in the third. They were winning 3-2, and seemingly on their way to the next round, while their cross-river rivals had just been eliminated.
Well, not so fast said Carolina.
Joni Pitkanen hit Jussi Jokinen with a beautiful cross ice pass after a great keep-in by Tim Gleason. Jokinen one timed the pass through the wickeds of an outstretched Martin Brodeur to pull the contest back to square one.
48 seconds later, with 32 ticks left in regulation, Eric Staal came up big. Streaking down his off wing, Staal released a blazing snap shot low blocker side that was able to find twine, and send the Canes into the second round.
This was hands down the best series of the first round. Two over-time games. Two games decided within the last 32 seconds of regulation. A total goal differential of two.
Great entertainment. Props to Eric Staal - 32 playoff games, 14 goals, 21 assists, 35 points. That's raising your game when it matters.
Here's how the Eastern Conference Semi's play out...
(1) Boston Bruins vs. (6) Carolina Hurricanes
(2) Washington Capitals vs. (4) Pittsburgh Penguins
Well, get ready to here about Crosby and Malkin vs. Ovechkin and Semin for the next two weeks. Hopefully it's a long series.
I'll have my second round playoff predictions up soon...
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