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How the Ovechkin-Caps fared in Game 7’s

Alex Ovechkin, Marc-Andre Fleury

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, back, from Russia hugs Pittsburgh Penguins’ Marc-Andre Fleury (29) after the Penguins beat the Capitals 6-2 in an NHL hockey second-round playoff game, Wednesday, May 13, 2009, in Washington. The Penguins won the series 4-3. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

AP

It’s kind of stunning to think that every single Alex Ovechkin Era Washington Capitals playoff series went to a Game 7. Whether it was a marquee matchup with Pittsburgh or seemingly mundane clashes with the Rangers and Canadiens, the Caps have been pushed to the brink each and every time. Oddly enough, each series also ended (for better or for worse) in “The Phone Booth” in DC. Let’s take a look at the Capitals history of Game 7’s during the Ovechkin-Boudreau-etc. days.

#1: First Round of 2008

Philadelphia 3, Washington 2 in OT

The Capitals came back from a 3-1 series deficit to force a Game 7 but couldn’t get it done in this one. Three of the game’s five goals were scored on the powerplay, including Joffrey Lupul’s series winning OT GWG. Alex Ovechkin came to play with a goal and an assist, although I recall Ovechkin receiving criticism for making “an extra pass” to Sergei Fedorov in one of the game’s defining moments. This also ended the brief (but for him, lucrative) Cristobal Huet reign in Washington.

#2: First Round of 2009

Washington 2, New York Rangers 1

Proving that a series lead doesn’t do much good for opponents or the Capitals, Washington came back from another 3-1 gap. This time, though, the team actually won the Game 7. Semyon Varlamov came in relief of Jose Theodore early in the series and helped the team make a long-awaited visit to the second round. The game - in my opinion - was often in the Rangers’ hands but the team lacked offensive punch to put it away. Instead, Sergei Fedorov roofed it past Henrik Lundqvist for the 2-1 win.

#3 Second Round of 2009

Pittsburgh 6, Washington 2

The pivotal play came early in the game, when Marc-Andre Fleury made a huge save on Alex Ovechkin. Pittsburgh ran to a stunning 5-0 lead, chasing Varlamov and embarrassing the team they fought toe-to-toe for most of the exhilarating first six games. Sidney Crosby had 2 goals and 1 assist, helping the Penguins come back from a 2-0 series deficit to beat their media-christened rivals.

So, the question is, what will this Game 7 hold for the Capitals? Will they go 2-2 in elimination games at home since eschewing Bondra for Boudreau or drop to 1-3 despite having home ice advantage? We will find out tonight.