Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Game 2

Capitals 2, Bruins 1 (Box score, Recap)

MVP

Braden Holtby: Two seasons ago when the Capitals were a top seed they were beat by a relatively unknown backup goaltender from the Canadiens in Jaroslav Halak. If two games in Boston are any indication, they have their own version of Halak this season as they're the low seed in Braden Holtby. For the second consecutive game, the rookie was absolutely stellar for the Capitals, stopping 43 of the 44 shots he saw on Saturday. Without him, it's unlikely the Caps are headed home with the coveted split.

Turning Point

It came about mid-way through the first overtime, that's when the Capitals were able to get the ice tilted back in their favor. The first OT the Bruins were pushing hard, challenging Holtby with a few great chances but the Caps were able to get the game to the opposite end of the ice and eventually carried that over into the second OT when Backstrom scored not even three minutes in.

It was ... (fill in blank)

Classic playoff hockey. Again. Every inch of the ice was contested, there were no good looks to be had. Both teams did a pretty good job keeping the shots to the outside instead of in the scoring areas. But when they did get there we saw another staple of playoff hockey, great goaltending. Tim Thomas was every bit as good as Holtby was in this game, he just let one more get by him than the rookie. We have a serious series on our hands.

Photo: Getty Images

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