| 02 May 2009
Unbelievable. This save just about sums up how the Capitals' first game against the Pens went, full of great chances, lucky bounces and great saves on both ends.
Before that save, Fleury was outplaying Varlamov and keeping the Pens alive; after that, Varlamov emerged as the big winner in the goaltending duel -- for now. I expected this series to come down to the goaltenders and, sure enough, so far it has. Varlamov's soft goal (to be fair, fans would be all over Theo for it) looked to have the young netminder shaken, but he quickly rebounded as he always has this postseason.
Just an exceptional save and game from the Czar.
Caps eek out the win over the Pens in a game that very well could have been 5-1 for either team. It's going to take a much stronger defensive effort and more solid play from Varlamov from here on out. For the Pens, same story, although they can ease any fears they have knowing that Fleury played absolutely out of his mind.
So far the series is living up to the hype, but we'll see how it develops as we finish the second home game Monday and head to Pittsburgh Wednesday.
The Good
- Goals from Steckel and Flash mean the secondary scoring is clicking.
- The Laich-Steckel-Bradley line was simply great.
- Another strong showing from the Caps penalty kill, perfect on the day.
- Varlamov continued his strong play, but most importantly he didn't seem shaken by the atmosphere or his soft goal.
- Despite only taking eight shots in the first, the Caps made them count, putting two in the net.
- David Steckel was strong in the faceoff circle, especially against the Pens' best faceoff man, Sidney Crosby. Steckel was 11/17 on the day, but 8/11 against Crosby.
The Bad
- The first 12 minutes. Pens absolutely dominated, and the Caps weren't matching their intensity level.
- Caps defense has been great for a few games now, but they allowed way to many clean entrances into the offensive zone. They're lucky this game wasn't tied in the third.
- Caps giveaways (shudder)
- Sidney Crosby's goal was the result of miscommunication and just plain bad defense. If you let a guy like Crosby dangle in front of the net, he's going to score, just a simple fact.
The Ugly
- The postgame reactions to Varlamov's save. Come on now, Sidney, a great save is a great save no matter how much you try to say it didn't matter.
Your Tweets
DaGreatOvechkin@CapsFans Anyone see Varlamov bolstering his consideration for the Conn Smythe?
adnek@CapsFans should we band together and get Varlamov a Caps helmet so he can retire the Hershey Bears helmet??
martyvburen@CapsFans Going to need a better game from the defense next game, but good win!
jdb820@capsfans I hope Pens fans don't yell "Unleash the Fleury" during the last TV timeout to try to jinx the caps.
Hanky77@CapsFans I think flash is due a big game
DChi606@CapsFans Mike has always been able to grow some decent stubble, so I never thought he'd have a problem with a beard.
jdb820@Capsfans The Pens/Caps score was just displayed at the Nats game and the entire place cheered!! Surreal!!
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