Friday, April 11, 2008

Ovechkin held to few shots and but one goal, but what a goal it was!


The party rolls on in DC, as the hometown Washington Capitals gave their fans yet more reasons to drag those old Capitals jerseys out of storage.

In a highly entertaining and physical game, the Capitals took a lead, lost it and then battled back to win the opening round match with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Things got off to a raucous start when Donald Brashear got the Caps on the playoff scoreboard for the first time in five years, as the playoff scoring dynamo recorded his third playoff goal in 49 games.

The fact that Brashear would be on the ice as much as he was on Friday is indicative of the play of the night, a tight checking and hard hitting match which saw the Flyers do their best to shut down the leagues goal scoring and point champion.

They were successful for most of the game, controlling Ovechkin’s play through three periods, but able to slip free just once was more than enough as the Capital’s sensation scored the winning goal with just four and a half minutes remaining in play, securing what would be a 5-4 victory and a one game to none lead in the series.

Philadelphia introduced Ovechkin to the drama of the NHL playoffs, with that special attention that the boys from Broad Street are famous for. They were successful through two and a third periods in keeping him frustrated and off the score sheet, but given a few chances to break free, Ovechkin showed that danger lurks with every shot.

The game took a solemn moment when the Flyers left wing Patrick Thoresen, took a shot in the groin and had to be helped off the ice, taken to hospital for tests there is the possibility that one of his testicles will have to be removed, such was the force of the shot that he blocked with six minutes to go in the game.

That play proved to be controversial, while Thoresen was laying on the ice in considerable pain, the Capitals managed to score the equalizing goal much to the chagrin of the Flyers organization who felt that the play should have been blown dead at the time.

While the Flyer’s training and medical staff was preparing Thoresen for his journey to hospital, the Capitals were turning the pressure back on his team mates on the ice. They took the play deep into the Flyer end as they tried to score the winning goal.

As the third period was winding down, Ovechkin would make his dramatic entrance to the playoff scoring sheet, another highlight reel goal from a highlight reel player. Game two goes Sunday afternoon, as the Caps seek out two game lead to head into Philadelphia with.

Globe and Mail-- Caps draw first blood
Washington Post-- A very Loud Statement
Washington Post-- Good Things Come in Threes
Philadelphia Inquirer-- Flyers blow lead, lose Game 1
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NHL.com-- Stats pack

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