My Thoughts:
*The Caps got off to another good start as they had chance after chance in the 1st period as the outshot the Flyers 12-5. They also had a couple power plays but Michal Neuvirth was spectacular once again in keeping the score 0-0 after 1.
*In the 2nd period the Flyers got a full 2:00 5 on 3, but the Caps PK like it has been all series turned the Flyers away.
*Then shortly after that, Nick Backstrom would score off a pass from Marcus Johansson for his 2nd goal of the playoffs to give the Caps a 1-0 lead. Alex Ovechkin got the secondary assist.
*The Flyers would make another push in the 3rd period but Braden Holtby and the Caps would hold on to advance to the 2nd Round of the playoffs. Holtby was great once again as he stopped all 26 of the shots the Flyers took on Sunday. For Holts it is his 2nd shutout of the series.
*Mike Weber made his playoff debut for the Caps, and played 8:48 of the game. We will have to wait and see about Brooks Orpik for the 2nd Round series.
*One of the keys of this series for the Caps was they completely shutdown the Flyers top scorers. As Claude Giroux had 1 point in the series, and their leading goal scorer Wayne Simmonds didn't score in the series.
*One thing I was proud of was that the Caps didn't make playing a hot goalie be their down fall again. They found a way to win, and this time of year that's all that matters.
*Overall this series was a good test for the Caps, in a series that at first looked very easy ended up being a battle till the end. However, the Caps kept plugging away and were able to win a couple of big road games in Philly to clinch the series.
*Now sitting in the Caps way will be a familiar foe, as the Caps and Penguins will renew their rivalry for a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals at stake. It will be the toughest hurdle the Caps will have to climb if they want to make the next step. I will have a series preview once the schedule comes out.
What's Next: Round 2 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Game 1 TBD
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