Round 2 Game 5 Results
May 10, 2009 - Matt Leaper
Washington Capitals vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Penguins Lead Series 3-2
Well the league failed to stop any potential criticism by not even reviewing the Ovechkin hit. I think this will most likely put the Pens in a place to do something on their first regular season game against the Caps.
The Caps came out flying and firing. They put 8 unanswered shots on goal but then an ill advised penalty ended their momentum. Then the Pens followed that up with 8 unanswered shots of their own. I’m not going to go into to much more detail as the numbers should show how close and exiting the game was for the remaining periods. Pittsburgh had a slight edge in shots but the Caps had equal the difference in hits. Both teams had a majority of their shots come in prime scoring positions.
| First Period | Capitals | Penguins |
| Shots | 12 | 11 |
| Hits | 12 | 14 |
| Power Plays | 0-1 | 0-1 |
| Penalty Summary | A.Semin – 2 Tripping J.Erskine – 2 Roughing A.Ovechkin – 2 Roughing | B.Guerin – 2 Hooking E.Malkin – 2 Roughing B.Orpik – 2 Roughing |
| Scoring Summary | None | None |
| Second Period | Capitals | Penguins |
| Shots | 10 | 14 |
| Hits | 17 | 10 |
| Power Plays | 1-1 | 0-0 |
| Penalty Summary | None | Team – 2 Too Many Men |
| Scoring Summary | EV Ovechkin from Poti PP Backstrom from Federov, Ovechkin | EV Staal from Satan, Orpik |
| Third Period | Capitals | Penguins |
| Shots | 9 | 14 |
| Hits | 7 | 6 |
| Power Plays | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Penalty Summary | None | None |
| Scoring Summary | EV Ovechkin from Backstrom, Green | EV Fedotenko from Malkin, Letang EV Cooke from Kennedy, Staal |
| Overtime | Capitals | Penguins |
| Shots | 0 | 3 |
| Hits | 3 | 0 |
| Power Plays | 0-0 | 1-1 |
| Penalty Summary | M.Jurcina – 2 Tripping | None |
| Scoring Summary | None | PP Malkin from Kunitz |
| Totals | Capitals | Penguins |
| Shots | 31 | 42 |
| Hits | 39 | 30 |
| Power Plays | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Penalties | 4-8 | 4-8 |
| Score | 3 | 4 |
This was one heck of a game. All the superstars got into the game even if they didn’t score or get points they did make it entertaining. Ovechkin again appeared to play dirt as he took out Malkin behind the Pens goal but hey that’s who he is and the league is fine with it. The officiating was again sub par as they barely even used the whistle with the exception of ending a period, play or calling offsides. I guess it is alright as at least it was consistent.
Washington needs a miracle or at least some lucky bounces. Ovechkin and Backstrom are the only two who can seem to find offense. They may work against a New York Rangers team but it doesn’t cut it when playing a team as skilled offensively as Pittsburgh. Green and Semin have been relatively quiet on 5v5. To win the caps need these two as well as Federov to create some 5v5 offense.
Pittsburgh should be set if they continue their game. It looks like they can win this series with or without Gonchar. They are playing extremely well and aside from a complete meltdown they can close the series on Monday. On a side note, two months ago, no would of expected Satan and Fedotenko to be playing this well. Both have been impressive in this series and could be playing for a chance at a contract offer from the Pens. Hopefully these two will continue that impressive play and make Ray Shero look like a genius.
Next Game Monday May 11 @ 7 on FSN/Versus
Update: Gonchar skated today. He did show a slight limp but didn't appear to have a brace on his knee. This likely won't affect Game 6 but it is definetly a positive thing heading forward.
