Ovechkin revived his hockey-god status for this game and scored twice, once again single handedly giving the Caps a chance. The energy line again played well, but weren't able to net one this time, though Steckel was so close to ending OT about 15 seconds in, but just missed on the shot.
The Caps played slightly better defensively this time around, though they broke down a bit in the third which allowed the Penguins to even and then take the lead. They're going to have to play solid for the full 60 in game six if they want to go one to game seven, because the Penguins are very opportunistic and have showed that they don't need much light.
The biggest positive this game was that the Caps didn't take dumb penalties. They only allowed two power plays, the second being the one that ended it. However, the trip was a good penalty. I'd rather put my penalty killers out for two minutes than leave Varlamov all alone facing Malkin on a break.
As I said before, the PK was going very well, but Steckel got a bit greedy. I thought he should have been more aware of the time remaining on the kill and held the puck rather than shoot it, especially once he slowed it. He was open on the right wing and got a pass. When he couldn't one-time it, he should have held it, kept possession for the last ten seconds or so of Jurchina's penalty, and then left it in the offensive zone for the reinforcements (since the Caps' bench was on the offensive side of the ice) once they were 5 on 5 again. But this is all in hindsight and isn't worth much.
He shot the puck wide and the carom off the glass went down ice fast enough that it caught three of the PKers up, with Malkin and Crosby behind them. Poti made the right play in diving to break up the pass. Unfortunately, Varly was looking for the pass and was already starting his move to block what would have been a Crosby shot. This opened the gap that the deflection went through. Just bad luck. Really can't blame anyone on that series of events, even Steckel.
Nothing to do now but look ahead to Game 6 in Pittsburgh. The Caps have played terribly so far in Pittsburg so far. They're facing elimination there on Monday night. However, the one shining light is: They've faced elimination before. And they answered to the occasion, playing remarkably well when their backs were up against the wall.
That said, they can't over press and be desperate to get scoring chances. They have to play their game and stay solid on defense. I think that's Green's biggest problem right now. He's never scored on the Penguins and it's getting to him in this series. He's pressing too hard and trying to force the puck at times. Also, Semin has to emerge from wherever he's been hiding and make his presence felt. He had some wonderful chances tonight, but then he mishandled the puck.
Ovechkin needs to trust in his shot more than his puckwork. He has had some marvelous goals juking and weaving through defenders, but I think every one of his goals on Fleury have come off of his rocket shots, regardless of who is in the way. He had a chance in this game to do that, but instead tried to spin around the D and lost the puck in the process.
Lastly, Varlamov is incredible because of his ability to block shots that should go in and get from one side of the net to the other in lighting speed. He is an incredible athlete in net. However, his one glaring weakness is that he gives up some juicy rebounds, and the Penguins have been aggressive in getting to them and burying their second and third chance opportunities. The Caps D needs to prevent these second opportunities from occurring by getting in the way and boxing out around the net. Easier said than done of course.
I'm nervously awaiting Game 6 on Monday, and hoping there will be a Game 7 on Wednesday.
Until next time,
-TES
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