Well Alex Ovechkin and his Washington Capitals have pulled it off again. The Capitals forced game 7 for the 2nd straight series with Wednesday's 2-1 win in the nation's capital. The Capitals shocked the Rangers with a quick 1st period power play goal by Captain Alex Ovechkin. That goal was followed by Jason Chimera's mid-second period tally to give the Caps the 2-0 lead over the Rangers. However, Holtby's shut out was spoiled by a late Marian Gaborik goal. However, this was not enough for the Rangers to post a win against the red hot Capitals.
The players took the lose very rough however no one took it as badly as Rangers head coach John Tortorella. Tortorella did not want to hear anything from reporters as he pretty much blew up on them as a result to almost any question he was asked. He definitely let his anger out during the post game however would not show it in the locker room or on the ice until the next day. As you can see by Tortorella's post game interview (watch video on side for full interview), he was not happy at all. He continuously stated that he though they sucked. He also refused to comment on individual players. After less then 2 minutes of frustration, Tortorella got up and left. He was not in the mood to be interviewed. Period.
The players also thought they played poorly. "We can't let it," Rangers captain Ryan Callahan said. "We have to put this one behind us. We have to go in Saturday ready to play." Callahan realizes that game 7 is do or die. He hopes to lead his team past the Caps in game 7 Saturday when the take home ice at MSG.
"I'm probably a little more nervous the older I get because I was kind of young and stupid at that time," Richards said Friday after practice. "It's a fun day. You cherish the chances you get to be in them. You treat it like a great day in your life. You don't get many chances to do something like that at Madison Square Garden; Game 7 on a Saturday night. Where else would you want to be?"
From the Caps point of view, they are so happy and relieved they forced game 7. They also do realize this could be the end of the road though if they take 7 too lightly. "It was tough, but we thought about it in the room the next day, watched some film in the locker room and we thought 'we played a good game,'" Hendricks told NBC. "Great job by 'Holtsie', he stood on his head tonight, and now we look forward to Game 7." It was planned to be the least amount of a distraction to the team as possible," Holtby said Friday after practice. "It was a great day. Mom and baby are doing great, but now the focus is on hockey." "We know what we have to do," Backstrom said. "If we can win in Boston, we can do it up at Madison (Square Garden), too. We're looking forward to it."
From both sides, fans are excited for game 7. It's a battle of the best. Both teams want to make it to the Eastern Conference Finals to face the Devils. This game is the highest priced event at MSG in over a year at an average of $435 a ticket. MSG is sure to be rocking tomorrow night for Game 7. As a result, it will sure be a huge hit around the US and Canada. Both teams appear to be desperate as they face elimination. It'll be fight to the bitter and end and probably come down to win goal and who wants it more. After tomorrow we will know who will play the Devils. The Capitals have already thrown off the 2nd place Bruins in game 7 in the 1st round. Can they repeat and continue their hot streak, or will the 1st place Rangers move on. This year has been a very entertaining playoff year and I don't expect anything different from tomorrow's game.
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