The Capitals left game three with their first dominating game of the series in a 5-1 victory. It was their most aggressive start to a game in the first round series. Montreal soon turned the tide forcing Varlamov, last season's playoff hero, to make some spectacular saves to keep the Caps in the game. Momentum had turned and by end of the second period and in the blink of an eye the Caps were up 4-0.
If the Caps take the President's Trophy all the way to adding a Stanley Cup Trophy at the end of the season fans and media may say Ovechkin 1 - Crosby 1, but it's Varlamov that may be the Russian hero to carry the team on his back towards a title. Varlamov proved last night just like the playoffs last season that he is indeed the team's best defender.
The pressure on Varlamov certainly could have surpassed the circumstances he was thrown into last year with the Caps down 2-0 vs. the Rangers. This season he battled injuries and played sparingly down the stretch as Theodore's stellar regular season performance left few games for anyone else in net. Not only did Varlamov face limited action down the stretch to prepare himself physically and mentally, but the added pressure of watching his teammates for two games and two subpar performances even chasing away Theodore in game two and allowing three goals himself that night could shake anyone's confidence.
Ovechkin plays a physical game at the forward position, as well as mentally like no other but Varlamov showed his toughness once again putting up a wall and carrying his team to a resounding win. The weight of the team and playoffs now hangs over Varlamov's shoulders once more.
Now if the Caps can play a relentless style for a full 60 minutes like the 2nd Period last night they'll wrap up more games and series more quickly allowing Varlamov additional time to rest (considering he's only recovered from injuries that plagued him much of the season). Rarely do championship winning teams go to 6 or 7 games in every series. Theodore will definitely be needed again during the playoffs, but a relentless winning style will help take some of the pressure off of the Caps young goaltender.
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