Caps Vs. Penguins: Round 2!

Simeon Varlamov robs Sidney Crosby late in the second period of a 2-2 Game 1 with an amazing stick save. Tomas Fleischmann would win the game in the 3rd 3-2 and the Caps go up 1-0 in the series.

What a barnburner in game 1. Goals from David Steckel, Alex Ovechkin and Tomas Fleischmann weren't the highlight of the night as the Capitals rallied to win game 1 of the best of 7 Stanley Cup Eastern Conference Semi-Final. The play of a 21-year old rookie in Simeon Varlamov is what stood out.

Stopping 34 shots en route to a 3-2 victory, none of those saves mattered as much as the stick save on Sid the Whiny Kid in period 2. With the game tied at 2, the Penguins went on a break as Kunitz passed to a wide open Sidney Crosby who proceeded to send a wrist shot towards an open net. Varlamov, who realized this, twisted back and lept with his stick to stop the puck cold on the red line and save what would have been a 3-2 lead for the Penguins. Crosby celebrated a goal but realized it was saved and headed back down the ice.

I was at that game and the Verizon Center was loud and proud for the Caps. The only thing I would suggest is people clean up their language when children are present in your section. They are there for the game as much as you are. Also, don't pick a fight with a Penguins fan. I know they're annoying with their "Terrible Towels" and all that garbage but don't sink to their level. Finally, we won game 1. THAT IS ALL WE HAVE WON SO FAR! Don't taunt the Penguin fans and celebrate as if we've won the damn Stanley Cup! We need to win 4 games before any type of celebration begins.

Keys to Game 2 Tonight on Versus:

* Play Defense! - The Capitals defense wasn't playing their best game on Saturday. They need to play tighter and create more giveaways towards the offense zone. Hitting wouldn't hurt either!

* Stop the giveaways in the Pens Zone - 23 giveaways in game 1 for the Caps. That is unacceptable and will not be able to continue if they want to win the series. Limit the giveaways you can and clear the puck if you're in trouble. Keep it in the offensive zone not the Pens Zone!

* Don't let the Pens outshoot you - I know we have Varlamov in net but he can not take 40 shots a night. The defense has to step it up and block shots and limit the amount they have in any given period.

* The Ovy and Varly Show - With Ovechkin keeping pace averaging about a goal and assist per game, he has to ramp it up just a tad and help the Caps capitalize on scoring opportunities. Varlamov just needs to stay focused and keep playing with the playoff intensity he has shown in his seven games so far.

Enjoy Game 2! Let's hope the Caps can lock up a 2-0 lead. GO CAPS!