Fedorov Lifts Caps Into Eastern Conference Semi-Finals
Sergei Fedorov's 12th Playoff Game Winning Goal gave the Caps a 2-1 advantage over the New York Rangers with 4:52 left in the game. Most of what Fedorov has accomplished the past two season's can't be measured with statistics alone. He's mentored much of the young talent that McPhee has assembled. His leadership along with his calm demeanor and assertiveness on ice has kick started the top scoring line once more. Bruce Beadreau often relies on Sergei and has him center the top line to add stability. It's only fitting that Sergei Fedorov ripped the game winner past Lundqvuist to close the door on the series.
After the Rangers took an early one goal advantage in the 1st Period, Semin responded with a takeaway. He skated down ice on a breakaway and evened the game at one goal apiece. Aside from the one brilliant play of Semin, the Rangers dominated much of the period. The Caps won few of the hustle plays for the loose pucks or skirmishes in the corners.
The game was pretty clean as the penalty box was empty during the 2nd Period and for much of the game. By the 3rd Period, the Caps began asserting themselves. They controlled possession of the puck and by mid way through the period over took the Rangers in shots on goal. All of the hustle plays and action in the corners tilted in favor of the Capitals.
Due to the six game suspension levied on Donald Brashear by Commissioner Gary Bettman, Captain Chris Clark returned to see his first action since Jan. 27th. His veteran leadership and fresh legs helped spur the Caps onto a 2-1 victory. Late in the 3rd period, the duo of Flash & Clark appeared very sharp. Having such veterans like Fedorov and Clark helped the Capitals battle back after falling behind two games to none early in the series.
The Capitals defense shined bright clamping down on the Rangers stifling the number of shots on Varlamov. Jurcina had one of his best performances of the season. He pinched in taking shots and didn't get caught out of position.
The Verizon Center was as loud as it has ever been by game’s end. The fans did indeed "Rock the Red." It was a sea of red inside the arena. Those in attendance and watching at home witnessed the first series victory since the 1998 Finals run eleven years ago. Next up for the Caps, Sydney Crosby and the Penguins. The first two home games are scheduled for Sat. & Mon. The Caps prevailed during the regular season and look to continue the trend in the playoffs as one of the most anticipated series gets underway this weekend.
The Penguins can look forward to a packed screaming house of home town fans and one of the league's hottest goaltenders (Varlamov). Just days ago the media and fans were questioning Coach Bruce Boudreau's decision to replace Theo. Boudreau has accomplished so much in his short tenure behind the bench. He's righted the ship, brought back division titles, and a playoff series win to his young team. The road may appear rocky ahead, but with a rockin' crowd, hot goaltending, and the league's leading goal scorer not even warmed up, it's the Penguins that have more to contain in the upcoming series.
