Washington Reaction: Varlamov ‘The Only Reason’ For Win?

Varly was simply spectacular all night, never moreso than during a 20-shot onslaught in the second period that saw him make at least three dazzling glove saves. As cliche as "your goalie has to be your best penalty killer" might be, the young Russian proved it time and again before finally surrendering one when Brian Gionta deposited a big rebound off the end boards (with Mike Green a step late in reacting to it). Through two periods, the Caps were outshot 33-18, and Varlamov is the only reason they were tied at two apiece.