Magnificent!

Washington Capitals Right Winger Sergei Federov scores the game-winning goal to win the series over the New York Rangers! (Courtesy Photo)

What a comeback. As you probably read in my blog when we were down 3 games to 1, I was preparing myself for yet another year of losing in the first round. The year was 1998 when we last won in the first round. The year the Capitals made the Stanley Cup Finals and got swept by Sergei Federov and the Red Wings. My how times have changed.

Federov, now a second year Capital, scored when it mattered the most as he ripped a shot on Lundqvist's left side to lift the Capitals to a 2-1 win in Game 7. More importantly, the Caps advance to the conference semi-finals for the first time in 11 years and comeback from 3-1 down for the first time in 21 years when Dale Hunter buried a shot against the Flyers.

What were the factors in winning game 7?

* The Caps kept fighting. Even in the 2nd period, the worst they have played throughout the playoffs, the Caps hung in there. When the 3rd Period started, they controlled it from the opening faceoff. 16 shots to 1 in the final period with one going in from Feds.

* Simeon Varlamov. The 21-year old russian goalie sensation came in Game 2 and has looked spectacular giving up a 1.20 GAA and having over a .954 save percentage! Not bad for a rookie. What the Caps lack, they now have in net.

*The Power Play. The Caps finally got the Power Play going as they scored 2 in game 6 to force the decisive game. They need to improve it a little more and get back to their league leading 28.5%.

Now it's time for the Conference Semi-Final Predictions:

Eastern Conference

(1) Boston Bruins Vs. (6) Carolina Hurricanes

Analysis: What a series this is going to be! Bears against mother nature. Two great goalies, Tim Thomas and Cam Ward, go head to head to see who blinks first and gets their team going in the semi's. The Bruins had no problem with a flat Montreal team, sweeping them 4-0. The Hurricanes had a tough time with the Devils and looked out with 1:20 left in the game. Then two goals in 40 seconds won them the game 4-3 and they moved on. Going to be a tight one but I think Boston is too good to ignore. Bruins win in 7.

(2) Washington Capitals Vs. (4) Pittsburgh Penguins

Analysis: Gary Bettman got his wish. The Battle of the Birds. The Sid the Whiny Kid Vs. the most dominating player in all of Hockey series. The Caps found a goaltender and now have their sights set on the Finals. First they have to dispose of a pesky Penguin team that has been on the rise as of late. However, with Varlamov in goal and the power play showing it's fierceness, the Caps should win this series. Oh yeah, and PENGUINS CAN'T FLY! Capitals win in 6.

Western Conference

(2) Detroit Red Wings Vs. (8) Anaheim Ducks

Don't let the seeds fool you. That's what happened to the President's Cup Trophy Winner San Jose Sharks and they lost to the Ducks in 6. The Ducks are a dangerous team because of goaltending, defense and the unexpected player who dazzles the opposing team each game. The Red Wings coasted in round one but in all fairness, they were playing COLUMBUS! Tough series this is going to be for Osgood. I think the Ducks next victim is the defending Stanley Cup Champs. UPSET! Ducks in 6.

(3) Vancouver Canucks Vs. (4) Chicago Blackhawks

An inner-divisional lineup in the semi-finals pits the Blackhawks and the Canucks. Close in the regular season, the Canucks swept the Blues 4-0 and have had great goaltending from Luongo. But the Blackhawks seem to want it more as the city of Chicago finally has hockey in May for the first time in many years. Battle for sure but I see the Blackhawks reaching the West Finals. Blackhawks in 7.

So you're Conference Finals are:

EAST (1) Boston Bruins Vs. (2) Washington Capitals

WEST (4) Chicago Blackhawks Vs. (8) Anaheim Ducks

Let the Playoffs resume Friday and Saturday! GO CAPS!