Boston Bruins-Washington Capitals Quarterfinals Series Review -NHL Playoffs Special
Washington finally exceeded expectation according to many hockey observers for the first time in many years and it was much needed after a disappointing 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season.
Capitals shocked not only Boston but the entire world when they eliminated the Stanley Cup defending Bruins in seven games after an intense series which definitely had the latter as the favourites in any case.
For starters, Boston was not playing bad at all. They had nearly the same season as the one before it along with a nearly identical line-up with very few minor changes along with facing a team again in Game 7.
Last year, Bruins eliminated Montreal Canadiens in the deciding game but this time around, it was a whole different story.
Washington might not win the Stanley Cup but defeating the Bruins in such a way was more than enough for them to celebrate about.
"We needed to win a series like this," Washington general manager, George McPhee, told reporters. "This franchise needed it."Boston's a fabulous organization. I really like the way they do things. Love their team. Like the way [GM] Peter Chiarelli manages.
Love [Claude] Julien and Cam Neely. They do a great job. We played them as hard as we could, and I don't know how we did it, but it was nice to see that go in. We needed it."
Having a rookie goaltender like Braden Holtby going up against Tim Thomas was something that had Washington depressed and unhopeful for the series, but the youngster played beyond expectations and made a home run.
This is how the series played out and Washington advanced to the semi-finals to face the top Eastern Conference seed, the New York Rangers.
Game 1
The opening game was extremely intense as both teams failed to score in regulation. Holtby showed himself as a true goalie for the first time by blocking 19 shots but failed on one in overtime, giving Boston the win.
Game 2
Holtby was much more focused and full of courage now as he broke the nervousness barrier in Game 1. He blocked 39 of 40 shots while Nicklas Backstrom shot home the game-winner during a double overtime period.
Game 3
Boston broke the lead and took Game 3 at the Verizon Center in Washington as they dominated the final 40 minutes of play after the opening period ended with Capitals on a 1-0 lead.
Bruins scored four goals in round-two and three to take the match 4-3.
Game 4
Capitals luckily bounced back to level the series yet again and save being put on the brink of elimination as Marcus Johansson and Alexander Semin scored the two goals before a scoreless third period.
It was Washington calling the shots this time as Tim Thomas was outplayed 45-21 compared to Braden Holtby.
Game 5
It was Washington this time to put Boston on the verge of elimination after staying consistent throughout to edge Bruins 4-3 at the TD Garden with Troy Brouwer scoring the game-winner with less than two minutes remaining on the clock.
Game 6
Washington had an ample opportunity to eliminate and celebrate at the Verizon Center but Boston was not about to go down so easily.
Tyler Seguin made the game-winner in overtime, forcing a Game 7 competition and confident of taking Capitals down.
Game 7
Joel Ward capped it off with a game-winner in overtime to surprisingly eliminate Boston Bruins and advance into the second round.
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