David vs. Goliath – Take Two

I had only been kidding around when I accused the Capitals of doing their impersonation of the Sharks from the last couple of years, but never thought that prediction would be a true one.

For the first time, an eighth seeded team beat a first seed after suffering a 3-1 deficit.  For the second time in hockey history, Alexander Ovechkin was rendered nearly speechless.

Looking like an injured and exhausted Russian bear besieged by attack dogs, Ovi’s post game interview was a real heartbreaker.

Reporter: Have you ever felt like this?

Ovechkin: No. First time.

Reporter: Are you in shock right now?

Ovechkin: Yeah.

Reporter: How much of it was…you not executing?

Ovechkin: I don’t know.  I just don’t know.

Reporter: Can you compare this to anything you’ve ever felt in your entire career?

Ovechkin: No.

There are some who might say that the giant ego on ice deserved this humbling experience.  Bust the Big O Show down a couple of notches and remind him that’s he’s only human too.  But it’s that planet-sized ego and over the top showmanship that’s made him such a joy to watch.  His larger than life antics have evoked interest from people who don’t know Wayne Gretzky, Luc Robataille or Teemu Selanne from a hole in the ground.

If you missed the 2009 NHL All-Star Superskills competition, you absolutely have to see this.  Any time a player can make announcers cackle with glee and invoke comparisons to “Slap Shot” is a moment worth it’s weight in pucks.

Going into the next round for the Habs will not be easy.  They admitted that when playing against the Caps, their strategy was everyone had to have a netminder’s mentality.  But going up against Pens, it’s going to take a much more balanced approach.  They’ll have no choice but to channel the Red Wings and attack The McFleury mercilessly.  Otherwise, The Kid and Geno are going to skate rings round their defense.  Backwards.  Blindfolded.  With one arm tied behind their backs.

If the Sharks can maintain their fire and they catch the Wings back on their heels, they’ve got a fighting chance, but in that last Wings game, “the other white meat” roared back against the Coyotes and proved why they are one of the most feared teams in the league.

How much will the loss of Laperriere affect the Flyers?  He’s a huge piece of their penalty kill and it’ll be tough to replace him on short notice.  By the way, have any of you heard of a “brain contusion”?  Not a concussion, not a surface bruise, but suffering a bruise on your brain?  I guess that’s one of the risks a guy takes when he blocks a slapshot with his face.

Boston’s definitely got the advantage in this matchup.