Pittsburgh Penguins-Washington Capitals: Pens Advance to Conference Finals

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

In Game Seven, stymied by Fleury twice in the first period, Ovechkin struggled throughout the game to get his wheels turning.  He scored on a gimme from Fleury but just couldn't celebrate, choosing a businesslike and determined attitude after the goal.  I expected another goal within a shift or two.

Alexander was limited to three shots on goal and five hits on Penguins players.  His biggest hit came against Nicklas Backstrom after Malkin avoided the flying Ovie.  Backstrom got up slowly and headed to the bench.

Just when the Caps were pressing and threatening to get a short-handed goal, Ovechkin coughed up the puck to Crosby (see above).

Detroit Shut Down

This Game Seven reminds me so much of the Red Wings' performance in last year's Stanley Cup Playoffs.  Detroit would get the lead and shut down the opponent.

Ovechkin, Semin, Green, Kozlov, Federov, Steckel...these guys were unable to accomplish anything n the game.  Almost every time a Capitals player controlled the puck, three Penguins were there to break up the play.  

The Caps were never able to get in the groove due to the Pens' pressure, puck control, effective sticks and shot blocking.  The Penguins also executed offensive zone puck possession very well—a good offense is the best defense.

In other games, the Capitals were able to blame their lack of flow on the large amount of penalties.  Tonight, you can only credit Pittsburgh's tenacity and commitment to solid defensive play and puck management.

In 2002, the Red Wings defeated the Colorado Avalanche in a Game Seven by the score of 7-0.  Detroit, like Pittsburgh, chased the goalie from the net in that game.  The only difference was the Colorado netminder was Patrick Roy.

Sidney Crosby

So Mr. Semin, what do you think of Sidney Crosby now?  

In six games against the Philadelphia Flyers, Crosby recorded four goals and four assists.  In seven games against the Washington Capitals, Crosby recorded eight goals (inlcuding his first playoff hat trick) and five assists.  

Three of his goals in this postseason were put in out of midair.  He scored another spectacular goal by taking a pass out of midair, expertly maneuvering the bouncing puck around Varlamov and putting it in the net.

Crosby, Ovechkin, and Malkin are the top three scorers in the playoffs but Crosby is tops with 12 goals and 11 assists.  Sid is putting up numbers at better then 1.6 per game.

It's not just the points, though.  Crosby has an uncanny ability to take control of a game, and swing momentum to the Pens in just one shift.  He wins key faceoffs, scores go ahead goals, scores tying goals, assists on key goals, he puts his stamp on the game in every shift.

There is no "I" in "T-E-A-M"

The NHL made this series out to be a duel between Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby.  The real key to victory was the team effort put forth by both squads.

Five of the first six games were decided by a single goal.  Three of the first six games were decided in overtime.  

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?