Day 6 Round 1 NHL Playoffs 2009

Day 6 of playoff hockey in the NHL had two teams climbing back into contention and one team going absolutely no where.

Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers: Washington wins 4-0 (New York leads series 2-1)

For the first time ever, a rookie goaltender came into Madison Square Garden and shutout the home team in an NHL playoff game. That was the task Simeon Varlamov did as he seemingly solidified his starting role over Jose Theodore. Varlamov allowed 1 goal in the past 2 games, while Theodore let in 4 in the playoff home opener in Washington. The Capitals have finally found a way to utilize Ovechkin, and surprisingly it wasn't through scoring goals. The Great had 2 assists, but his most impressive play was a diving backcheck that stopped a breakaway chance for New York. Alexander Semin scored the first two goals and added a beautiful assist in the second period to Brooks Laich, and the Capitals went 2 for 6 on the power play. All things are finally rolling for the Capitals, but they are still down by a game in the series with one more game in New York to go before heading back home. Game 4 might be the deciding factor in who takes the series.

Boston Bruins vs Montreal Canadiens: Boston wins 4-2 (Boston leads series 3-0)

Another decisive win for the Bruins. Montreal scored the first goal in their first home game of the playoffs, and never took the lead after that. Surprisingly, the game was rather disciplined, as there were only a couple of offsetting roughing minors and 4 total power plays: three to Montreal and one to Boston. But even without the power play, which helped the Bruins secure wins in games 1 and 2, Boston beat Montreal in another aspect of the game: the 5 on 5. Montreal plays with a lot of heart, but sometimes it takes skill to win games, and right now Boston is outplaying Montreal in every department. Don't think the Canadiens will allow Boston to walk into their home ice in game 4 and sweep them, but this series will be over in, at most, 5 games.

Chicago Blackhawks vs Calgary Flames: Calgary wins 4-2 (Chicago leads series 2-1)

As expected of the playoff tested Flames, they took full advantage of home ice and responded to Chicago's early power play goal with 4 unanswered. Kiprusoff finally showed up to play, stopping 36 shots and taking the first star honors in game 3. The last minute of play had 64 penalty minutes issued out with 5 game misconducts. The Flames still have no answer for Jonathan Toews, and they are still getting no contribution from their top line of Jokinen, Iginla, and Borque, who combined for a goal and an assist in Calgary's 4 goal night. If this trend continues to happen, look for the Blackhawks to gather their composure (they haven't played a road playoff game in years) and steal game 4.

Here was a change in pattern: Boston and Montreal was a relatively mild-mannered game, while Chicago and Calgary had an explosion in emotions at the end. The key for Washington to win the series: take the lead early. Sean Avery was a very effective skater in games 1 and 2. Why? His team had the lead, so he was calm, didn't take stupid penalties, and actually played some good defensive hockey. In game 3, with his team down in the dumps, Avery felt the need to complain to the ref, take stupid penalties, and even punch Varlamov in the face near the end of the game. The Capitals played it well; Varlamov just took off his helmet to check if the equipment was damaged. If the Capitals get Sean Avery out of his game by taking control early, then Avery will implode and hurt his team. If they allow the Rangers to dictate the offense and score goals, it allows Avery to play within the team system and generally show why he is still considered a hockey "player".