Wrote before Game 1 of this Eastern Conference quarterfinal series between the Caps and Rangers that rookie goalie Michal Neuvirth would be in the spotlight in his first NHL playoff game. He was as advertised considering the 23-year-old has never lost a postgame series in junior or the AHL. With 24 saves on 25 New York Rangers shots Neuvirth gave Washington a chance to rally for the 2-1 overtime victory. Not a bad start.
Neuvirth faced sporadic scoring chances. His best save came at 7:59 of the second when the Caps somehow left Rangers forward Marian Gaborik all alone in front. A quick pass from Brian Boyle resulted in a quicker shot – but it went right into Neuvirth’s gut to keep the game scoreless. New York also tested him early in overtime with three shots in the first 1:57.
“There was times where he needed to save the puck or else it was in the back of the net and they were up two goals,” defenseman Mike Green said. “So I think that was momentum-changer that we were confident in our goaltender that he’s going to play well tonight and he would take over.”
“[Neuvirth] was fine,” added left wing Alex Ovechkin. “Very calm and focused on the puck and in the game. In the second period they have great opportunities to score goal and he made huge save [to] keep us in the game after two periods. Again, I think both goalies played very well and both teams score three goals. I think it is going to be game like that all through series.”
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