The series that brought the NHL back on the North American map ended in a surprisingly one-sided finish.
Washington Capitals vs Pittsburgh Penguins: Pittsburgh wins 6-2 (Pittsburgh wins series 4-3)
The Pittsburgh Penguins scored 2 goals 8 seconds apart in the first period, their second fastest two goal franchise time differential, and the Capitals never had a chance since Alexander Ovechkin's early breakaway opportunity that was robbed by Fleury. Ovechkin was the only Capital who came to play: Varlamov was pulled after allowing 4 goals in 18 shots, and Washington gave up 4 penalties to the Penguins and received 0 in return. They were outshot 30-21, and their 2 goals were just to make things look better than it really was, as they were already down 5-0 when they scored the first. Turnovers and lack of defensive support in the Washington zone epitomized all the problems that the Capitals had to overcome coming into the playoffs if they wanted to become a championship team, and instead they made those mistakes more often and more blatantly than any other time in these playoffs.
Not a bad first game seven for Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, who combined for 2 goals and 3 assists. Sergei Gonchar returned from injury and much to the delight of the Penguins coaching staff, having a huge lead meant he rarely took a shift in the third period, logging in a grand total of 15 minutes of ice time. With Crosby leading the NHL playoffs in goals scored and Evgeni Malkin in points, the Penguins have to be feeling very good heading into their second consecutive conference finals.
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