There appears to be no Game 5 letdown for the Capitals, at least not early. The Capitals have jumped all over the Rangers in this 2011 NHL Playoffs game, controlling the play early. Mike Green scored the team's goal, and the Capitals lead 1-0, though it could very well have been more lopsided.
The Capitals controlled play early after the Rangers got a chance on Michal Neuvirth, and eventually put one in the back of the net on a typical mad scramble. Brian McCabe of the Rangers was called for a tripping penalty, and the Capitals quickly took advantage. Alex Ovechkin got a long rebound, faked a shot and fed Green, who skated in for the goal. Green's stuff attempt went off Dan Girardi's skate into the back of the net. Green got credit for the goal, and Ovechkin and Brooks Laich got the assists.
A major fight broke out after the goal, and three Rangers and two Capitals were sent to the penalty box. Alexander Semin and Laich both picked up penalties for roughing, as did Brandon Dubinsky and Chris Drury. Vaclav Prospal picked up the third penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. The Capitals could not take advantage on the ensuing power play.
The Capitals continued to control play throughout the first period, but Henrik Lundqvist has been up to the task, keeping the Rangers in the game with timely saves.
The Capitals had to deal with a scary moment when Green got hit in the face again by a slap shot by Doug Gilroy. Green, who missed the last part of the regular season after getting a slap shot to the face on Super Bowl Sunday, was down on the ice for a few minutes. He eventually walked off on his own power, but he was taken to a quiet room for 15 minutes as part of the NHL's concussion protocol.