Images from Game Two Rangers @ Capitals

It was a great day to be at Verizon Center, even if I am a Caps fan. The Rangers beat the Capitals 1- 0 on Saturday. This show is a set of images from the experience of going to Verizon Center.

One of the things that does not get recorded well in the sports section, is what it feels like to be at the game. You do not get a sense of the crowd coming in, the neighborhood or the tempo of the crowd.

I hope that this slide show gives you a sense of the going to Saturday's game.

There is a feeling when you go to the game that hockey is different than other sports. It is so physical and intense, that it drives the crowd into a frenzy. Hockey is personal.

I guess it is all the hitting. Plus, you have to play the entire game. Not just offense or defense. Maybe it is an intangible effect. These folks are into the game.

It is your city versus their city. You feel it. Suddenly, you need to win.

The best thing about the Rangers fans is that they are not Flyers fans or Penguins fans. But they are close. I think that the Caps fans are very good, but they don't hate the opponent the way these rival clubs do.

Caps fans are not insulting enough or rude enough. It something my brethren need to work on.

Overall, there are more folks dressed up in uniforms and body paint than any other sporting event that I have attended. Little old ladies in Caps jerseys. Old men in Rangers sweaters.

That is a great reason to come to the games, playoffs or not, is to dress up and paint your face.

The get ups put college basketball to shame. There, dressing up for the game is for the young kids. At an NHL venue, it is for one and all. Plus, the crowd does not stop. It is still cranked up after the game.

From football, to baseball and basketball, all the way to hockey, I would rank NHL hockey as the best sport to watch.

Outside the Verizon Center, Chinese Arch

The Verizon Center is partially in the Chinatown section of Washington, DC. The architecture around the arena reflects both the old and new of the nation's capital.

Close to game time

Two of the gang of three get ready to go around the corner and into game two of the NHL Playoffs. Almost everyone, it seems, is wearing hockey garb.

On the Street Where You Live

A great area is right between the Verizon Center and Gallery Place. The alley is a cool hangout before, during and after the game.

Right in Front

Fans were streaming into the game well before tip-time. Some fans were taller than others.

Near the Ice

This telephoto shot brings you inside the Capitals logo at center ice.

Ranger Fans Gather Near the Bench

During the warmups, the fans crowded around the bench areas.

On the Roof

Great seats, one row from the roof behind the goal. Being there beats not going. On the left, the road jersey is sported by Mo, Jor has a throwback Ovechkin rookie sweater and I in my red home jersey (Brooks Laich No. 21).

View from Above

Being at the game is so much better than watching on TV. If you have not been, you should go. Warmups are so cool.

Varlamov gets ready for First Playoff Start

Caps sharpshooters take aim at Simeon Varlamov to get him ready to start the game.

Rockin' the Red

The pregame show at Verizon Center is top shelf. I have been to all types of events, and the Caps show is fantastic.

Game Action

Face-off ready. Caps could not score even once.

Up the Boards and Out of the Zone

Caps clear the puck.

Scrum Time

The fast, physical game was a blast. Too bad we lost.

Ovie and Friends line up

Caps won most of the draws. The Rangers blocked over 50 shots in the two games.

The Puck is Dropped

The hitting was furious. Even at the face-off (mid-second period) the hitting was evident.

Near Side, Right Corner

Dubinsky (Rangers) and Backstrom (Capitals) square off in this Second-Period draw.

Packed in Until the End

The Caps fans were loud and hopeful until the horn sounded to end the game.

Worth the Price

The tickets and trip to Verizon Center was worth the price.