Marc Staal failed to lift the puck beyond the Caps’ Jason Arnott just inside the Ranger blueline as the first overtime period ran down, the former New Jersey Devils and Nashville Predators vet firing a pass to the toe of Semin’s stick for a shot that flew over Henrik Lundqvist’s shoulder. Lundqvist was already on his knees, but Staal’s erroneous turnover caused a problem it really needn’t have.
The Rangers worked hard and were probably fair value for their second-period lead following Matt Gilroy’s first playoff goal in his first post-season game. Brandon Prust, excellent throughout, negated an icing call with a strong hustle before handing the puck off to Wojtek Wolski behind the net. Wolski found space for the pass in-front, former Hobey Baker award winner
Ryan Callahan’s absence nullified much of the Rangers’ strong forecheck early on, though for the most part they kept the home side playing at their tempo. Henrik Lundqvist was excellent in making 31 saves while Neuvirth too kept his team in the game with a couple of reactionary stops on Wolski and Marian Gaborik in the second and third periods.
Alex Ovechkin’s tying goal late in regulation needed a review before being awarded. The Rangers can claim ‘intent to whistle’ as a possible out, though Lundqvist ultimately will be disappointed to have let the puck sneak through between his right skate and the post.
Game 1 offered much of what most would expect from this 1 vs. 8 series; tight, low-scoring games dictated by Henrik Lundqvist and the Rangers’ inconsistent forwards. Production from Ovechkin, Semin and Co. is a given, but if the Rangers defence can continue to stifle those in red then they’ve still a chance of making some noise in this series.
Neuvirth was good enough for the Capitals, though the Rangers will look to test him more tomorrow night in Game 2. Gaborik skated with a sense of purpose for much of the night, his production and form of course key to any turnaround should it come over the next 3+ games.
Mike Green returned to the Capitals’ line-up for the first time since leaving their 6-0 loss to the Rangers on February 25th. He played well, though it was young John Carlson who provided perhaps the most calming presence on the Caps’ blueline. Confident on both sides of the puck, the 21-year old former World Junior champion is sure to continue making a name for himself as the post-season progresses.
Game 2 between the Rangers and Capitals starts at 7:30 ET in
Contact the author – alex.nunn@prohockeynews.com
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