Washington Capitals

Round 2 Game #7 Pittsburgh Penguins at Washington Capitals

Where: Verizon Center, Washington, DC

When: May 13, 2009 7:00 PM

Series:
Game 1: WAS 3 PIT 2
Game 2: WAS 4 PIT 3
Game 3: WAS 2 PIT 3 (OT)
Game 4: WAS 3 PIT 5
Game 5: WAS 3 PIT 4 (OT)
Game 6: WAS 5 PIT 4 (OT)

History:
All-Time vs. PIT: 79-86-16-4
All-Time Playoff Series Record vs. PIT: 1-6
All-Time Playoff Game Record vs. PIT: 19-29
2008-09 Regular Season vs. PIT: 3-0-1

This Year:
WAS Record: 50-24-8
Standings Points: 108
Division Rank: 1st
Conference Rank: 2nd
Round 1 Series: WAS 4 NYR 3

PIT Record: 45-28-9
Standings Points: 99
Division Rank: 2nd
Conference Rank: 4th
Round 1 Series: PIT 4 PHI 2

Probable Line-Ups:
Washington
Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 91 FEDOROV, 25 KOZLOV
Forward Line 2: 14 FLEISCHMANN, 19 BACKSTROM, 28 SEMIN
Forward Line 3: 21 LAICH, 39 STECKEL, 10 BRADLEY
Forward Line 4: 17 CLARK, 15 GORDON, 83 BEAGLE
Defense Pair 1: 26 MORRISONN, 52 GREEN
Defense Pair 2: 23 JURCINA, 3 POTI
Defense Pair 3: 2 POTHIER, 4 ERSKINE
Goalie: 40 VARLAMOV
Back-up Goalie: 60 THEODORE

Pittsburgh
Forward Line 1: 26 FEDOTENKO, 71 MALKIN, 17 SYKORA
Forward Line 2: 24 COOKE, 87 CROSBY, 13 GUERIN
Forward Line 3: 14 KUNITZ, 11 STAAL, 48 KENNEDY
Forward Line 4: 9 DUPUIS, 25 TALBOT, 27 ADAMS
Defense Pair 1: 44 ORPIK, 3 GOLIGOSKI
Defense Pair 2: 4 SCUDERI, 2 GILL
Defense Pair 3: 7 EATON, 58 LETANG
Goalie: 29 FLEURY
Back-up Goalie: 32 GARON

Injuries:
Washington - 1 JOHNSON (HIP) IR, 53 LAING (spleen) IR, 55 SCHULTZ (undisclosed) DTD, 16 FEHR (undisclosed) DTD

Pittsburgh - 15 ZIGOMANIS (undisclosed) IR, 55 GONCHAR (knee) DTD

Preview:
Game 6 was a huge victory for the Capitals. They pulled a bunch of monkeys off their backs with a 5-4 overtime victory in Pittsburgh. They forced a Game 7 at Verizon Center for the second time in these playoffs and expect the place to be Rockin’ the Red big time. Look for the start to be extremely fast paced as both teams will try to take control early. The Caps will try to put more rubber on the Penguins net as the Caps have the advantage in shooting percentage at 12.6% to 9.3% in the series. Watch Alex Ovechkin as he will try to dominate the game. Ovechkin has 13 points in the six series games and will definitely be looking for more. The Caps have Game 7 experience that will serve them well as they will need to keep their emotions in check. I am expecting a fast start with the Caps having to hold off an initial Pens rush then slowly turning the game to their favor and taking control in the third. There will be lots of hitting and physical play and look for a step up from someone unexpected. This series has had it all so expect the unexpected.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 4 PIT 2

Official Preview

Caps Force Game 7

With a dramatic overtime goal by David Steckel, the Caps defeated the Pens 5-4 and the teams will play in a deciding Game 7 tomorrow in Washington.

Official Recap

Round 2 Game #6 Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins

Where: Mellon Arena, Pittsburgh, PA

When: May 11, 2009 7:00 PM

Series:
Game 1: WAS 3 PIT 2
Game 2: WAS 4 PIT 3
Game 3: WAS 2 PIT 3 (OT)
Game 4: WAS 3 PIT 5
Game 5: WAS 3 PIT 4 (OT)

History:
All-Time vs. PIT: 79-86-16-4
All-Time Playoff Series Record vs. PIT: 1-6
All-Time Playoff Game Record vs. PIT: 18-29
2008-09 Regular Season vs. PIT: 3-0-1

This Year:
WAS Record: 50-24-8
Standings Points: 108
Division Rank: 1st
Conference Rank: 2nd
Round 1 Series: WAS 4 NYR 3

PIT Record: 45-28-9
Standings Points: 99
Division Rank: 2nd
Conference Rank: 4th
Round 1 Series: PIT 4 PHI 2

Probable Line-Ups:
Washington
Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 91 FEDOROV, 25 KOZLOV
Forward Line 2: 14 FLEISCHMANN, 19 BACKSTROM, 28 SEMIN
Forward Line 3: 21 LAICH, 39 STECKEL, 10 BRADLEY
Forward Line 4: 17 CLARK, 15 GORDON, 83 BEAGLE
Defense Pair 1: 26 MORRISONN, 52 GREEN
Defense Pair 2: 23 JURCINA, 3 POTI
Defense Pair 3: 2 POTHIER, 4 ERSKINE
Goalie: 40 VARLAMOV
Back-up Goalie: 60 THEODORE

Pittsburgh
Forward Line 1: 26 FEDOTENKO, 71 MALKIN, 17 SYKORA
Forward Line 2: 24 COOKE, 87 CROSBY, 13 GUERIN
Forward Line 3: 14 KUNITZ, 11 STAAL, 48 KENNEDY
Forward Line 4: 9 DUPUIS, 25 TALBOT, 27 ADAMS
Defense Pair 1: 44 ORPIK, 3 GOLIGOSKI
Defense Pair 2: 4 SCUDERI, 2 GILL
Defense Pair 3: 7 EATON, 58 LETANG
Goalie: 29 FLEURY
Back-up Goalie: 32 GARON

Injuries:
Washington - 1 JOHNSON (HIP) IR, 53 LAING (spleen) IR, 55 SCHULTZ (undisclosed) DTD, 87 BRASHEAR (suspended), 4 ERSKINE (undisclosed) DTD, 16 FEHR (undisclosed) DTD

Pittsburgh - 15 ZIGOMANIS (undisclosed) IR, 55 GONCHAR (knee) DTD

Preview:
Game 5 was another overtime clash between the two teams and again a deflected own goal fell the Capitals 4-3. After giving up a one goal lead in the third period the Caps tied the game with five minutes remaining in regulation. In the overtime the Caps took a tripping penalty and nearly killed it off but a pass attempt broken up by Tom Poti ended up behind young Simeon Varlamov giving the Pens a 3-2 lead in the series. The Caps now face an elimination game in Pittsburgh. Look for another high paced game as this is the fourth elimination game the Capitals have faced this post season. The Cap need to be in desperation mode in they want to get to Game 7. Watch the Capitals second line in this game. Alexander Semin does not have a goal in the series and will need to be at his best. I expect the Caps to get off to a good start and force the play. This will be an extremely physical game and expect some nastiness from both teams. If the Caps can get an early goal and continue to press the play they will come out with the victory.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 4 PIT 3

Official Preview

Round 2 Game #5 Pittsburgh Penguins at Washington Capitals

Where: Verizon Center, Washington, DC

When: May 9, 2009 7:00 PM

Series:
Game 1: WAS 3 PIT 2
Game 2: WAS 4 PIT 3
Game 3: WAS 2 PIT 3 (OT)
Game 4: WAS 3 PIT 5

History:
All-Time vs. PIT: 79-86-16-4
All-Time Playoff Series Record vs. PIT: 1-6
All-Time Playoff Game Record vs. PIT: 18-28
2008-09 Regular Season vs. PIT: 3-0-1

This Year:
WAS Record: 50-24-8
Standings Points: 108
Division Rank: 1st
Conference Rank: 2nd
Round 1 Series: WAS 4 NYR 3

PIT Record: 45-28-9
Standings Points: 99
Division Rank: 2nd
Conference Rank: 4th
Round 1 Series: PIT 4 PHI 2

Probable Line-Ups:
Washington
Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 91 FEDOROV, 25 KOZLOV
Forward Line 2: 14 FLEISCHMANN, 19 BACKSTROM, 28 SEMIN
Forward Line 3: 21 LAICH, 39 STECKEL, 10 BRADLEY
Forward Line 4: 17 CLARK, 15 GORDON, 16 FEHR
Defense Pair 1: 26 MORRISONN, 52 GREEN
Defense Pair 2: 23 JURCINA, 3 POTI
Defense Pair 3: 2 POTHIER,
Goalie: 40 VARLAMOV
Back-up Goalie: 60 THEODORE

Pittsburgh
Forward Line 1: 26 FEDOTENKO, 71 MALKIN, 17 SYKORA
Forward Line 2: 24 COOKE, 87 CROSBY, 13 GUERIN
Forward Line 3: 14 KUNITZ, 11 STAAL, 48 KENNEDY
Forward Line 4: 9 DUPUIS, 25 TALBOT, 27 ADAMS
Defense Pair 1: 44 ORPIK, 55 GONCHAR
Defense Pair 2: 4 SCUDERI, 2 GILL
Defense Pair 3: 7 EATON, 58 LETANG
Goalie: 29 FLEURY
Back-up Goalie: 32 GARON

Injuries:
Washington - 1 JOHNSON (HIP) IR, 53 LAING (spleen) IR, 55 SCHULTZ (undisclosed) DTD, 87 BRASHEAR (suspended), 4 ERSKINE (undisclosed) DTD, 16 FEHR (undisclosed) DTD

Pittsburgh - 15 ZIGOMANIS (undisclosed) IR

Preview:
Now it’s a three game series as the Caps fell 5-3 in Game 4. The Caps again took too many undisciplined penalties and were unable to build any momentum during the game. Nicklas Backstrom scored in the game’s first minute but like every game in this series the team that scored first lost. The best cure for a game like that is a quick turnaround and the Caps and Pens head back to Verizon Center for a next day match up. Watch for the Caps to come out strong in Game 5. They need to be more direct on the power play and move to the net more to draw more penalties. Look for Alex Ovechkin to have a monster game. I’m thinking the intensity gets ratcheted up one more notch in this game with the Caps pouring it on in the second and third periods.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 5 PIT 2

Official Preview

Round 2 Game #4 Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins

Where: Mellon Arena, Pittsburgh, PA

When: May 8, 2009 7:00 PM

Series:
Game 1: WAS 3 PIT 2
Game 2: WAS 4 PIT 3
Game 3: WAS 2 PIT 3 (OT)

History:
All-Time vs. PIT: 79-86-16-4
All-Time Playoff Series Record vs. PIT: 1-6
All-Time Playoff Game Record vs. PIT: 18-27
2008-09 Regular Season vs. PIT: 3-0-1

This Year:
WAS Record: 50-24-8
Standings Points: 108
Division Rank: 1st
Conference Rank: 2nd
Round 1 Series: WAS 4 NYR 3

PIT Record: 45-28-9
Standings Points: 99
Division Rank: 2nd
Conference Rank: 4th
Round 1 Series: PIT 4 PHI 2

Probable Line-Ups:
Washington
Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 91 FEDOROV, 25 KOZLOV
Forward Line 2: 14 FLEISCHMANN, 19 BACKSTROM, 28 SEMIN
Forward Line 3: 21 LAICH, 39 STECKEL, 10 BRADLEY
Forward Line 4: 17 CLARK, 15 GORDON, 16 FEHR
Defense Pair 1: 26 MORRISONN, 52 GREEN
Defense Pair 2: 23 JURCINA, 3 POTI
Defense Pair 3: 2 POTHIER,
Goalie: 40 VARLAMOV
Back-up Goalie: 60 THEODORE

Pittsburgh
Forward Line 1: 26 FEDOTENKO, 71 MALKIN, 17 SYKORA
Forward Line 2: 24 COOKE, 87 CROSBY, 13 GUERIN
Forward Line 3: 14 KUNITZ, 11 STAAL, 48 KENNEDY
Forward Line 4: 9 DUPUIS, 25 TALBOT, 27 ADAMS
Defense Pair 1: 44 ORPIK, 55 GONCHAR
Defense Pair 2: 4 SCUDERI, 2 GILL
Defense Pair 3: 7 EATON, 58 LETANG
Goalie: 29 FLEURY
Back-up Goalie: 32 GARON

Injuries:
Washington - 1 JOHNSON (HIP) IR, 53 LAING (spleen) IR, 55 SCHULTZ (undisclosed) DTD, 87 BRASHEAR (suspended), 4 ERSKINE (undisclosed) DTD, 16 FEHR (undisclosed) DTD

Pittsburgh - 15 ZIGOMANIS (undisclosed) IR

Preview:
In Game 3 the Capitals fell in overtime 3-2. The game was very telling as the Caps looked completely out of sorts but only lost by one goal. The team will need to pick up the intensity if they want to remain in control of this series. For the Caps to be successful they need to get their forecheck going and force the opposition to defend them. The Pens like to play the same way so that is the game within the game. The Caps can take to heart that they faced the Pens best effort and it took overtime to win. Look for the Capitals to be much stronger on the puck in Game 4. They gave away a lot of pucks and will need to do a better job of getting into the offensive zone and rushing the net. Watch the play of young goalie Simeon Varlamov. He had a masterful performance on Wednesday stopping 39 of 42 shots. The Pens thought they could crack him with volumes of shots on the net but are finding out that the kid is really good. I think the Caps will put on a rebound performance in another one goal game and the power play will be the difference.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 3 PIT 2

Official Preview

Round 2 Game #3 Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins

Where: Mellon Arena, Pittsburgh, PA

When: May 6, 2009 7:00 PM

Series:
Game 1: WAS 3 PIT 2
Game 2: WAS 4 PIT 3

History:
All-Time vs. PIT: 79-86-16-4
All-Time Playoff Series Record vs. PIT: 1-6
All-Time Playoff Game Record vs. PIT: 18-26
2008-09 Regular Season vs. PIT: 3-0-1

This Year:
WAS Record: 50-24-8
Standings Points: 108
Division Rank: 1st
Conference Rank: 2nd
Round 1 Series: WAS 4 NYR 3

PIT Record: 45-28-9
Standings Points: 99
Division Rank: 2nd
Conference Rank: 4th
Round 1 Series: PIT 4 PHI 2

Probable Line-Ups:
Washington
Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 91 FEDOROV, 25 KOZLOV
Forward Line 2: 14 FLEISCHMANN, 19 BACKSTROM, 28 SEMIN
Forward Line 3: 21 LAICH, 39 STECKEL, 10 BRADLEY
Forward Line 4: 17 CLARK, 15 GORDON, 16 FEHR
Defense Pair 1: 26 MORRISONN, 52 GREEN
Defense Pair 2: 23 JURCINA, 3 POTI
Defense Pair 3: 2 POTHIER,
Goalie: 40 VARLAMOV
Back-up Goalie: 60 THEODORE

Pittsburgh
Forward Line 1: 26 FEDOTENKO, 71 MALKIN, 17 SYKORA
Forward Line 2: 24 COOKE, 87 CROSBY, 13 GUERIN
Forward Line 3: 14 KUNITZ, 11 STAAL, 48 KENNEDY
Forward Line 4: 9 DUPUIS, 25 TALBOT, 27 ADAMS
Defense Pair 1: 44 ORPIK, 55 GONCHAR
Defense Pair 2: 4 SCUDERI, 2 GILL
Defense Pair 3: 7 EATON, 58 LETANG
Goalie: 29 FLEURY
Back-up Goalie: 32 GARON

Injuries:
Washington - 1 JOHNSON (HIP) IR, 53 LAING (spleen) IR, 55 SCHULTZ (undisclosed) DTD, 87 BRASHEAR (suspended), 4 ERSKINE (undisclosed) DTD

Pittsburgh - 15 ZIGOMANIS (undisclosed) IR, 58 LETANG (undisclosed) DTD

Preview:
With a 2-0 lead in series the Caps travel to Mellon Arena to take on the Penguins in Game 3. Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby both scored a hat trick in Game 2 but it was the checking line and David Steckel’s goal that was really telling. For the second consecutive game the Caps got scoring from outside of their top two lines whereas the Pens did not. If they want to prevail in Game 3 three that trend must continue. The one thing that sticks out to me is that even in winning the first two games the Caps do not look in sync. The team can play much better and to put away the Pens in Game 3 they are going to need to be better. Look for the Penguins to come out even stronger in this game. The Pens have owned the first 10 minutes and scored first in Games 1 & 2. The Caps have weathered that initial rush and pushed back well but they need to be better early. Watch for the line match up against the Ovechkin line. In Washington the Pens tried to get Jordan Staal’s line against Ovechkin as much as possible but with the final change at home the Pens can decide who they want on the ice. Ovechkin has 4 goals and 3 hit posts (that I know of) in the two games and has been a thorn in the side of the Penguins. On the other side the Caps defense needs to do a better job keeping the Pens away from the crease area as all 3 goals against in Game 2 were within 15 feet of the goal line and converted on rebounds. Pen’s forward Chris Kunitz was fined $2,500 for cross checking Caps goalie Simeon Varlamov in the throat just prior to the Penguins third goal in Game 2. The d-men need to keep their goalie safe and punish those who want to set up close to the net. I am thinking that the Caps will try to come out fast to grab the momentum from the Penguins early. If they can get an early goal they will suck the energy right out of the home team and their fans.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 5 PIT 3

Official Preview

Round 2 Game #2 Pittsburgh Penguins at Washington Capitals

Where: Verizon Center, Washington, DC

When: May 4, 2009 7:00 PM

Series:
Game 1: WAS 3 PIT 2

History:
All-Time vs. PIT: 79-86-16-4
All-Time Playoff Series Record vs. PIT: 1-6
All-Time Playoff Game Record vs. PIT: 17-26
2008-09 Regular Season vs. PIT: 3-0-1

This Year:
WAS Record: 50-24-8
Standings Points: 108
Division Rank: 1st
Conference Rank: 2nd
Round 1 Series: WAS 4 NYR 3

PIT Record: 45-28-9
Standings Points: 99
Division Rank: 2nd
Conference Rank: 4th
Round 1 Series: PIT 4 PHI 2

Probable Line-Ups:
Washington
Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 91 FEDOROV, 25 KOZLOV
Forward Line 2: 14 FLEISCHMANN, 19 BACKSTROM, 28 SEMIN
Forward Line 3: 21 LAICH, 39 STECKEL, 10 BRADLEY
Forward Line 4: 17 CLARK, 15 GORDON, 16 FEHR
Defense Pair 1: 26 MORRISONN, 52 GREEN
Defense Pair 2: 23 JURCINA, 3 POTI
Defense Pair 3: 2 POTHIER, 4 ERSKINE
Goalie: 40 VARLAMOV
Back-up Goalie: 60 THEODORE

Pittsburgh
Forward Line 1: 26 FEDOTENKO, 71 MALKIN, 13 GUERIN
Forward Line 2: 24 COOKE, 11 STAAL, 17 SYKORA
Forward Line 3: 9 DUPUIS, 87 CROSBY, 27 ADAMS
Forward Line 4: 14 KUNITZ, 48 KENNEDY, 28 GODARD
Defense Pair 1: 44 ORPIK, 55 GONCHAR
Defense Pair 2: 4 SCUDERI, 7 EATON
Defense Pair 3: 43 BOUCHER, 58 LETANG
Goalie: 29 FLEURY
Back-up Goalie: 32 GARON

Injuries:
Washington - 1 JOHNSON (HIP) IR, 53 LAING (spleen) IR, 55 SCHULTZ (undisclosed) DTD, 87 BRASHEAR (suspended)

Pittsburgh - 15 ZIGOMANIS (undisclosed) IR

Preview:
The Capitals prevailed 3-2 over the Pens in Game 1. The Caps goal tending was down then up. The young Capitals goalie Simeon Varlamov gave up a soft goal allowing the Pens to tie the game at 2-2 but then completely robbed Sidney Crosby, who appeared to have an empty net, with an incredible stick save near the end of the second. The Caps retook the lead with Tomas Fleischmann finishing off a nice two-on-one play from Nicklas Backstrom. The Caps held on to take the opening game of the series. Look for the Caps to start out much faster in Game 2. The team seemed a bit sloppy in the first ten minutes of Game 1 and will again face a big push from the Pens. Watch the checking line for the Caps. David Steckel, who scored a huge goal for the Caps in Game 1, Brooks Laich and Matt Bradley have been playing some outstanding hockey. I think they will be the key for the home side in this match up. Game 2 will be even tighter than Game 1, so expect another physical game with the Caps pulling out a one-goal victory in the third period.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 2 PIT 1

Official Preview

Round 2 Game #1 Pittsburgh Penguins at Washington Capitals

Where: Verizon Center, Washington, DC

When: May 2, 2009 1:00 PM

History:
All-Time vs. PIT: 79-86-16-4
All-Time Playoff Series Record vs. PIT: 1-6
All-Time Playoff Game Record vs. PIT: 16-26
2008-09 Regular Season vs. PIT: 3-0-1

This Year:
WAS Record: 50-24-8
Standings Points: 108
Division Rank: 1st
Conference Rank: 2nd
Round 1 Series: WAS 4 NYR 3

PIT Record: 45-28-9
Standings Points: 99
Division Rank: 2nd
Conference Rank: 4th
Round 1 Series: PIT 4 PHI 2

Probable Line-Ups:
Washington
Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 91 FEDOROV, 25 KOZLOV
Forward Line 2: 14 FLEISCHMANN, 19 BACKSTROM, 28 SEMIN
Forward Line 3: 21 LAICH, 39 STECKEL, 10 BRADLEY
Forward Line 4: 17 CLARK, 15 GORDON, 16 FEHR
Defense Pair 1: 26 MORRISONN, 52 GREEN
Defense Pair 2: 23 JURCINA, 3 POTI
Defense Pair 3: 2 POTHIER, 4 ERSKINE
Goalie: 40 VARLAMOV
Back-up Goalie: 60 THEODORE

Pittsburgh
Forward Line 1: 26 FEDOTENKO, 71 MALKIN, 13 GUERIN
Forward Line 2: 24 COOKE, 11 STAAL, 17 SYKORA
Forward Line 3: 9 DUPUIS, 87 CROSBY, 27 ADAMS
Forward Line 4: 14 KUNITZ, 48 KENNEDY, 28 GODARD
Defense Pair 1: 44 ORPIK, 55 GONCHAR
Defense Pair 2: 4 SCUDERI, 7 EATON
Defense Pair 3: 43 BOUCHER, 58 LETANG
Goalie: 29 FLEURY
Back-up Goalie: 32 GARON

Injuries:
Washington - 1 JOHNSON (HIP) IR, 53 LAING (spleen) IR, 55 SCHULTZ (undisclosed) DTD, 87 BRASHEAR (suspended)

Pittsburgh - 15 ZIGOMANIS (undisclosed) IR

Preview:
In a match up NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has dreamed about since the 2005 draft, Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins take on Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Of course the series is more than those two players but the star power is hard to deny. Both teams want their skill players so the action in this series will be much more wide open. Look for Game 1 to be a physical contest with both teams trying to send a message and build momentum. The key for the Capitals will be the play of young net minder Simeon Varlamov. Varlomov allowed only 7 goals in 6 games against the Rangers and recorded 2 shutouts. However, the Pens bring a lot more offensive firepower and will try to test him early and often but with wins in three consecutive elimination games the Caps are confident in their young goalie. The player to watch will be Ovechkin. The team feeds off his energy and look for him to set the tone in Game 1. I think the pace will be fast with lots of hard hitting but the Pens will find out that Varly is the real deal.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 3 PIT 2

Official Preview

Round Two Schedule, Washington vs. Pittsburgh

Per NHL.com, here is the schedule for the Capitals second round match up with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Game 1: May 2, 2009, 1:00 PM at Washington

Game 2: May 4, 2009, 7:00 PM at Washington

Game 3: May 6, 2009, 7:00 PM at Pittsburgh

Game 4: May 8, 2009, 7:00 PM at Pittsburgh

Game 5: May 9, 2009, 7:00 PM at Washington, if required

Game 6: May 11, 2009, TBD at Pittsburgh, if required

Game 7: May 13, 2009, 7:00 at Washington, if required

Caps Win Game #7

With about 5minutes remaining in the third period Matt Bradley made an outlet pass to Sergei Fedorov in the Caps zone. Fedorov sprinted up the right wing with a Ranger defender on his inside. As Fedorov got inside the Ranger zone he got a bit of separation, slammed on the breaks at the top of the face-off circle, aimed and fired a wrist shot that beat the New York goalie high to the glove side. The goal broke a 1-1 tie and sent the Capitals into the second round. Unbelievable finish to the series. Thank you Sergei! Way to go Caps!!