Semin, Varlamov Lead Caps to Victory

Washington Capitals Hockey

Last night's game started off pretty much the way the first two games did with the Caps putting pressure on Lundqvist in the early stages of the game and he coming up with the saves. I started thinking here we go again, but then Semin was able to get one in the net, and then another, and that was more than enough as the Caps were able to turn the tables shutting out the Rangers 4-0 and getting back in the series. While this was a team game, the two stars of the game were Alexander Semin and the 20 year old goaltender Simeon Varlamov. In his short career, Semin has shown the ability to take his game to another level in the playoffs. He impressed me last year with his inspired play against the Flyers, and he's been the best offensive player for the Caps again so far against the Rangers. Varlamov was simply sensational in last night's game, and has given up 1 goal in two games against the Rangers. If the Caps can turn this series around and get by the Rangers, much of the credit will have to go to this young Russian goaltender who played a brilliant game in the Lion's den known as Madison Square Garden completely shutting down the Rangers and allowing the Caps to get back within one game of the Rangers.

The bottom line is the Capitals have to feel a lot better about their chances today than they did before last night's game. They managed to score 4 goals against the stellar Rangers goalie, and Alexander Ovechkin hasn't even scored a point yet. One knows that #8 can't be held down forever, and if the combination of Ovechkin and Semin can get rolling, the Caps will make this a series to remember.

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