In what was another tight series against a tough opponent, the Rangers pulled away from the Capitals – defeating them 5-0 to advance to a second round Original Six match-up versus the Bruins. If their story was amazing considering how many goals (11) they had entering the deciding game, Boston’s was more memorable rallying from 4-1 down to stun the Leafs 5-4 in sudden death. They became the first team ever to comeback from three down in the third and win Game Seven. It sets up one of hockey’s classic rivalries with the Rangers and Bruins ready to do battle for the first time since ’73. 

As exciting a prospect as that is, I couldn’t be more proud of a group of guys. They showed so much character in defeating the Caps. They methodically took them apart in a house of horrors, Verizon Center. Prior to the opening faceoff, we detailed how dominant Washington had been against us at home in the postseason. By scoring five on Braden Holtby, they made it a lot easier on themselves. The amazing aspect was that it was the supporting cast who came through. Arron Asham and Taylor Pyatt got the first two before Mike Del Zotto, Ryan Callahan and Mats Zuccarello tacked on later.

If there was one area they didn’t have an edge in, it was depth. The Blueshirts got it done minus Marc Staal and Ryane Clowe along with key penalty killer Darroll Powe. They overcame those injuries to prevail, showing playoff mettle. Having Henrik Lundqvist back there helped immensely. He proved why he’s the best goalie in the sport by shutting down one of the best offenses. Lundqvist posted consecutive shutouts against Alex Ovechkin, who tried like hell to spark his team. Astonishingly, he was limited to one shot despite pulverizing our players with a jaw dropping 13 hits including a Russian missile that forced Ryan McDonagh to get stitched up. This was Lundqvist’s best performance. Only one Cap (Mike Green) scored more than a goal. Hank stopped the final 62 shots to lead the Rangers back. 

The play of McDonagh and Dan Girardi can’t be overstated. The job they did against Ovechkin was amazing. Holding the game’s best finisher to one goal and zero points the final five games is unheard of. He was checked tightly throughout and never could escape either. When he broke in, forwards came back and helped. And when he had great opportunities in Game 6, Lundqvist was the last line of defense stifling him. Anyone who still believes Henrik can’t steal a series is delusional. I’ve criticized him in the past but not anymore. He is the man. 

The Caps came out fast, out-shooting the Rangers 9-4. They had 13 shots on Lundqvist in the first but couldn’t solve him. Our team played better too, getting nine on Holtby including Asham’s second. It came following a Lundqvist stop at the other end. Chris Kreider emerged with the puck on an odd-man rush and made a great drop for Asham, who fired upstairs using a Cap defenseman as a screen. The fourth line with Asham, Kreider and Brad Richards played well. Richards made a big defensive play, blocking a Joel Ward point blank chance. Richards was more engaged. Asham did take a high-sticking minor that sent the Caps to the power play with 1:28 left. But thanks to timely stops from Hank and crucial blocks, they escaped unscathed. 

After they killed the rest of the penalty in the second, Pyatt rebounded home a loose puck in front at 3:24 to put them up 2-0. On a relentless forecheck, Steve Eminger’s shot deflected off Derek Dorsett for a rebound chance. Moments earlier, Dorsett hit the crossbar. His hard work in front paid dividends for Pyatt’s first. Pyatt had an underrated series, doing a solid job on the cycle. Dorsett’s presence was felt. His muscle definitely aided our attack. 

Unnerved, the Caps completely fell apart. Over two minutes later, Del Zotto centered a puck for Mats Zuccarello that went in off a Cap for his first. Ironically, he scored the series clincher last year. This time, off some great work from Rick Nash and Zuccarello, Del Zotto took a Brassard cross ice feed and got a lucky bounce. He deserved the break. He played a second straight strong game finishing plus-three in 20:40 of ice-time. Down three, the Caps put some good pressure on for a few minutes. But they couldn’t beat Lundqvist, who for a second consecutive period, stopped 13 shots. Even in a more wide open game, it didn’t matter. 

I was a little concerned entering the third. But any fears I had ended when Callahan broke in on Holtby and beat him with a backhand into an open side at 13 seconds for 4-0. Throughout the hard fought series, he battled John Erskine. This time, it was Erskine who blinked turning over the puck off the opening faceoff, allowing Captain Cally to finally get off the snide. At that point, it was over. The Caps were a beaten team. Zuccarello added his first when he undressed the Cap D and then Holtby with one of his many moves from the shootout reel. Eminger denied a Cap opportunity and passed for Brassard, who sent Zuccarello in on Holtby. A great reward for one of the unsung heroes of this team’s turnaround.

All that was left was whether Lundqvist would get the shutout. He turned aside nine more in the third  as the Rangers finally allowed our fans to breathe easier. No anxiety attacks tonight. Only a sweet series victory without hearing that annoying goal horn.

Onto Round Two.

3rd Star-Steve Eminger, NYR (2 assists, 2 blocked shots, 3 hits, +2 in 17:10-unlikeliest hero epitomizes a historic night)

2nd Star-Dan Girardi, NYR (3 blocked shots, 7 hits in 21:08-our defensive catalyst stepped up minus Staal)

1st Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (35 saves incl. 26/26 1st 2 periods-2nd straight shutout-best goalie on planet stopped final 62 shots)