Rebounding

Well, that was … frustrating. Not sure what’s more embarrassing–that the Capitals couldn’t score on a two-man advantage or several power plays, or that the Rangers couldn’t manage to score with no one in net for the Caps during the final two minutes of the game. Since the Rangers actually won 3-1, we’ll give them the last laugh this time. But what made the game so frustrating was that the Capitals broke the cardinal rule of playoff games, and particularly playing against one of the best goalies in the world: establishing screens and a strong net presence. And it’s a rule they knew going in. Brooks Laich said it earlier this week–if Henrik Lundqvist sees it, he stops it. Ovi said it after the game: “He’s a pretty good goalie, he’s gonna see a shot, I think he’s gonna save it.” The Caps did not get nearly the kind of net presence, or screens, they’re going to need to beat the Rangers. Some of this credit goes to the Rangers’ defense–like the Capitals have done recently, the Ra