SB Nation DC - Rangers Vs. Capitals: Washington Wins Game 5, 3-1, Advances To Second Round

Some Photo Galleries Of Capitals Fans At Game 5 Vs. Rangers

2011-04-24T19:08:32Z

NHL Playoffs 2011: Capitals Exorcise Demons With Strong Effort In First Period

2011-04-24T13:37:00Z

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Last season, the Washington Capitals faced a potential series-clinching Game 5 against the Montreal Canadiens. After winning three straight games in the series, including two at Bell Centre, the Caps returned home to Verizon Center with a raucous crowd behind them. It only took 90 seconds for that advantage to be sucked away. Montreal struck twice within the first seven minutes of the game in an eventual 2-1 victory that ultimately turned the tide in the series.

Exactly one year later, last season's demise was the furthest thing from their minds.

"Honestly, I didn't mention it once," Karl Alzner said. "I don't think I heard anyone mention it once. I think we were just so focused on this game, this team, it didn't matter what had happened in the past. We had a great plan and everyone bought in."

What Alzner is referring to is the intense first period that propelled the Caps to a 3-1 win over the New York Rangers in Game 5 of their 2011 NHL Playoffs series and a 4-1 series win.

Coming into Saturday's game, the Caps and Rangers had played four scoreless first periods, only one away from setting a NHL playoff record for most scoreless first periods in a single series. Washington, however, didn't take long to fix that, scoring 5:59 into the game by dominating puck possession and striking just 16 seconds into its first power play. The Caps swarmed the crease, leaving Henrik Lundqvist vulnerable to a Mike Green putback that gave them the lead in both the game and the series for good.

"In the first period, I thought we had a very good effort, especially in the first 10 minutes of controlling the puck in their zone and making it tough on them," Brooks Laich said. "But last year, we did the same thing, but we just weren't able to get a goal. This year, we were able to get a goal. I think that really sets the tone for the hockey game and the rest of the game I think we were pretty systematic and didn't give them much."

"I think that was probably one of the best starts we had all season," John Carlson said. "Nothing really changed. Everything just stepped up a little bit more. We get that first goal and everyone kept rolling."

The Caps outshot the Rangers 13-6 in the first period, not including 13 blocked shots. Washington only scored one first period goal in the series, but not scoring in the first 20 minutes did not come as a surprise, considering that they were 29th in the NHL with 54 first-period goals.

But the defense did its part to frustrate the Rangers as well. The penalty kill, as it did all season, was spectacular, going 19-for-20. Michal Neuvirth stopped all 38 combined shots he faced in each first period of the series. The Caps are the first team since the 2007 Anaheim Ducks to not allow a first period goal in five games in the playoffs. Anaheim would win the Stanley Cup that season.

"I think we were playing really good," Marcus Johansson said. "We got the puck deep and we kept it in their zone a lot of time. We were working very hard the whole game and that's what matters in the long run. When we play like that, we're going to be successful if we work like that."

Entering the game, the Caps had held a 3-1 series lead on nine separate occasions, but had blown such a lead four times. Against the Canadiens, Washington let up and allowed Montreal to get back into the series, regardless of the play of Jaroslav Halak. Within the first 10 minutes of Saturday's game, it was obvious that that wouldn't be the case again.

"We wanted to go after them instead of sitting back," Bruce Boudreau said. "We wanted to play with a lead. We were, I thought, as aggressive as we've been offensively in the first period."

For the first time since Boudreau took over as head coach in November 2008, the Caps will not play in a series that goes the entire seven games. With time to rest up for the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Caps must harness the energy from Saturday's first period in order to move even further.

"Last year, when we had the lead 3-1, we thought it was over, and it was not over," Alex Ovechkin said. "We relaxed. Right now, everybody focused and nobody relaxed."

NHL Playoffs 2011: Capitals Beat Rangers, Second-Round Opponent To Be Determined

2011-04-23T23:13:04Z

The Washington Capitals became the second team to advance to the second round of the 2011 NHL Playoffs when they defeated the New York Rangers, 3-1, to win that series in five games. As the top seed in the Eastern Conference, the Capitals could play a number of teams in the second round, because the league elects to re-seed the teams. Here is a list of who they could play and how they would play them.

Buffalo Sabres (No. 7 seed): The Sabres are currently up 3-2 in their first-round series against the Philadelphia Flyers, with Game 6 scheduled for 3 p.m. on Sunday. If the Sabres win that game, they will automatically face the Capitals, since they are the lowest seed remaining in the Eastern Conference.

In the regular season: The Capitals won twice in regulation and once in overtime. The Sabres won once in overtime.

Montreal Canadiens (No. 6 seed): Yes, there is a chance the Capitals could see the team that shockingly ended their season last year. The Canadiens are tied at 2 with the Bruins, with Game 5 of their series taking place Saturday night. If the Sabres lose, the Canadiens would face Washington if they win their series.

In the regular season: The Capitals won three times in regulation. The Canadiens won once in overtime.

Pittsburgh Penguins (No. 4 seed): If Buffalo and Montreal both lose their series, the Penguins would be the Capitals' likely opponent. Despite getting shellacked by Tampa Bay, 8-2, on Saturday, the Penguins have a 3-2 series lead, so they just need one win in two tries to advance.

In the regular season: The Capitals won three times, including in the Winter Classic. The Penguins won once in a shootout.

Tampa Bay Lightning (No. 5 seed): Of course, if the Lightning rally to beat the Penguins, and both Buffalo and Montreal lose their series, it'll be the Capitals' Southeast Division rivals facing them in the second round.

In the regular season: The Capitals won three times in regulation. The Lightning won twice in regulation. The Capitals won once in a shootout.

Sean Avery Jams Finger In Brooks Laich's Face, Says Laich Bit Him

2011-04-23T22:26:46Z

As if Capitals fans needed more of a reason to hate Sean Avery, he provided more reason for ire midway through the second period. After a scrum in front of Michal Neuvirth, Avery sought out Brooks Laich and tried to fight him in the crease.

It's still a bit unclear how the whole thing began or what was said during the incident, but there's unmistakable evidence there that Avery tried to jam his fingers on Laich's head. Afterwards, Avery claimed to the referees that Laich "f***** bit me." I can't say I saw that one, and Avery isn't exactly the most credible person in the world, so ... yeah, I'm not sure where that leaves us. (Laich, for his part, said Avery jammed fingers in his mouth).

The good news is that this whole thing led to an outstanding chant of "Avery sucks," which is probably something most fans in the NHL would like to chant. Video below the jump.

(via CSN Washington)

2011 NHL Playoffs, Rangers Vs. Capitals Final Score: Washington Wins 2-0, Advances To Second Round

2011-04-23T21:48:12Z

There will be no first-round series collapse this season for the Washington Capitals. The Capitals erased some of the demons from their previous playoff failures, defeating the New York Rangers, 3-1, to win their 2011 NHL Playoffs first-round series in five games. Mike Green scored in the first period off a rebound, Alex Ovechkin added a beautiful backhand goal in the second period and Alexander Semin put home a pass from Marcus Johansson on a breakaway in the final minutes to provide the winning margin. Wojtek Wolski scored in the final minute for the Rangers' goal.

Ovechkin in particular was fantastic the entire game, getting a goal and an assist to lead the charge. Brooks Laich, promoted to the top line with the injury to Mike Knuble, added two assists. Michal Neuvirth was fantastic once again, saving 26 of 27 shots. Henrik Lundqvist was also great for the Rangers, holding the Capitals to three goals on 27 shots.

The Capitals will now move on to face either the Pittsburgh Penguins, Tampa Bay Lightning, Montreal Canadiens or Buffalo Sabres. It will be the No. 7 seeded Sabres if they are able to win their series against the Philadelphia Flyers, which is currently tied at 2. The No. 6 seeded Canadiens are tied at 2 against the Boston Bruins, with Game 5 scheduled for Saturday night. The No. 5 seeded Tampa Bay Lightning cut Pittsburgh's lead to 3-2 earlier Saturday.

VIDEO: Alex Ovechkin Goal Gives Capitals 2-0 Lead Over Rangers

2011-04-23T21:22:52Z

2011 NHL Playoffs, Rangers Vs. Capitals Score: Alex Ovechkin Gives Capitals 2-0 Lead

2011-04-23T20:56:00Z

It would take a major collapse for the Capitals to not move on to the second round of the 2011 NHL Playoffs. The Capitals added a second goal and now have a 2-0 lead over the New York Rangers after two periods in Game 5.

The Capitals finally took the 2-0 lead thanks to their superstar. Alex Ovechkin took an outlet pass, cut in front of Marc Staal and deposited a backhand by Henrik Lundqvist just over seven minutes into the second period. Scott Hannan and Brooks Laich got credited with the assists.

The Capitals then let up a bit, allowing the Rangers to get some momentum. The Rangers went on two power plays during the second period, and got several nice shots off on both of them. However, goalie Michal Neuvirth was up to the task, preserving the Capitals' 2-0 lead.

Capitals defensemen Mike Green, who took a slap shot to the head in the first period, returned to the bench in the second period, but has yet to return to the game.

VIDEO: Capitals Fans Chant 'We Are Louder' During 2011 NHL Playoffs Game 5

2011-04-23T20:50:57Z