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The Washington Capitals had a lot of momentum throughout the first period, but a series of posts and Henrik Lundqvist kept them off the board.  Lutanist made the biggest save of the period at the six minute mark, when he had to come across to make a save on Marcus Johansson alone in front. Lundqvist also made a save on a one-timer in the slot by Marco Sturm, fed terrificly by Jason Arnott. New York also made some key blocks in the first period, especially on Alexander Ovechkin, who had three shots turned away by defenders in the power play’s first 54 seconds. They eventually killed it off.

However, the Rangers went short a man once again a few minutes later. Mats Zuccarello took a boarding penalty at 10:13, on a hit from behind in response to some physical play by Washington. Nicklas Backstrom nearly found Mike Knuble alone in front of Lundqvist, but Knuble whiffed on the chance. Lundqvist was large again on this penalty kill, with a glove save on a creeping in from the point Mike Green. The Rangers once again killed off the full two minutes, with Washington going 0-for-2 on the man advantage in the first period.

The Capitals started the second period killing off the last eight seconds of the Alexander Semin hooking penalty, which put the Rangers on the power play late in the first period. Washington was unable to get a shot off until six minutes into the period, but once they did, they were once again turned away by Henrik Lundqvist, and then some bad luck.

King Henrik had to come all the way across the crease to stop Mike Knuble, but made a great pad save. Nicklas Backstrom had a sure thing of a rebound, but whiffed on the chance. Alex Semin whiffed on a near break later in the second. Another example of just missing by the Capitals, to the point where one wonders if it’ll catch up on them.

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