Capitals Plus

SEEN AND HEARD AT VERIZON CENTER

At the Metro Center train stop, one Rangers fan remarked, “Look at all these Ovechkin fans. Is he the Capitals’ only player?”

Indeed, a canvas of the sections below the press box showed No. 8 sweaters carried the majority. Also represented were Mike Green, Alexander Semin, Nicklas Backstrom, Chris Clark, Donald Brashear and, from the old days, Rod Langway.

Just like when the backup quarterback runs onto the field, the crowd erupted when Simeon Varlamov was announced as the starting goalie during pregame introductions. But said fans appeared to be on the edge of their seats in the opening minute when the puck didn’t leave the Capitals’ zone.

Varlamov, of course, had to skate in circles before making his debut because there was a problem - shocker! - with the ice. One of the goals would not stay in place, so repair work was required.

The officiating was interesting. The Capitals were assessed the first four penalties, the Rangers two of the last three. Just as some of the Washington players seemed preoccupied with pushing and shoving, the fans were likewise compelled to yell and scream at the officials.

- Ryan O’Halloran

BY THE NUMBERS

37 Times a team has rallied from a 2-0 series deficit in NHL postseason history - out of 291 opportunities.

THREE STARS

Henrik Lundqvist

Turned away all 35 shots for his third career playoff shutout

Ryan Callahan

Just 7:44 into the first period, scored the winner

Wade Redden

Played a game-high 25:04 on the Rangers’ blue line, including 3:34 on the penalty kill