Caps: Round 1, Game 6

Like I said, as long as the Caps could score 2 or more, they would win Game 6. I'd say they did a damn good job of accomplishing this. NBC has been hating on Varly just a bit, saying he looked shaky and was getting lucky. But the fact of the matter is that he has only allowed 6 goals in 5 games (2 of which were in the third of today's game when the caps were up 4), and has been solid and cool in a tense situation.

In the last 4 periods he's played, Lundvist has faced 34 shots and allowed 9 goals. He has shown some weaknesses, particularly on his glove side. Several of the last few goals have come high on the glove side, and weren't what would be considered good, hard goals. And with Lunqvist struggling, the Rangers just do not have the offensive capabilities to keep up with the Caps.

This series has been strength versus strength: The stingy Rangers D up against the explosive Caps offense. In the first few games the smothering defense definitely befuddled the Caps on offense. Since then, the Caps have tightened up their own defense, in part with a goalie change, and have changed up their operations on offense to overcome the defensive pressure.

Going into Game 7, there can be no question that all the momentum is on the Capitals' side. Same prediction as for Game 6; if the Caps get 2 or more in the first and second periods, and get the Rangers on their heels, they will not be able to come back. If, on the other hand, the Rangers strike first, the Caps have to be confident that they can overcome it and don't stray from their game plan.

Overall, I'm excited for Tuesday night, and hoping that Varlamov will get to pitch his third shutout of the series.

Until next time,

-TES