Eastern Conference Finals--Beginning Now
v.
Game 1: 5-2 NYR
(Gaborik and Callahan with 5 points a piece. Neither goalie covered themselves in glory. A really, really open game, particualrly compared to me two previous series. The Caps speed is crazy. Game was marred by an ugly injury to Rick Nash that occurred with less than 5 minutes left...)
Game 2: 3-2 Caps
(Lundquist was pulled after giving up two very weak short-side goals. Missaean played well, and the Rangers managed to claw back into the game, but the deficit was too much. Really missing my top two defenseman, as well, of course, as Nash.)
Game 3: 3-2 Caps
(Caps came out flying. Luongo played well. Lundquist made a few extraordinary saves, but let in a critical soft goal in the 3rd that proved to be the game-winner. In what might be the biggest story, and in a remarkable reprisal of game one, when a questionable late hit put Nash out, Alex Ovechkin left the game in the 3rd period, and will miss the remainder of the playoffs. The Capitals immediately retaliated, taking Ryan Callahan out for the remainder of the series.)
Game 4: 5-4 Caps
(Rangers dominated even-strength play. Held a 3-1 lead in the second, before two short-handed goals tied it. Grabbed a 4-3 lead, then Caps equalized. Caps won the game on another short-handed goal. All on breakaways or 2-on-1s. Tried adjusting strategies, tried adjusting pressure, but I just have no answer. Tough series. Lundquist hasn't been as good as rounds one and two. My defense has no answer for the speed of the Caps wings, and he's buried each and every one of his chances.)
Game 5: 5-4 Caps
(I'm not even sure what happened. Caps were winning 4-2. I scored twice. He won it with 10 seconds left after a turnover.)
advance in 5.
Completely overwhelmed by the run-and-shoot style. McDonagh would have helped, but in reality, the Rangers allowed the Capitals to dictate the pace of the games too much. Lundquist was very, very ordinary in the series. At times, awful. Pulled twice for the young, big rookie.
Still, it hurts to know that I out-scored you at even strength over 5 games and still barely avoided a sweep. Obviously, I need to improve my special teams play.