Capitals Vs. Rangers, Game 5: Mike Green Scores, Get Injured In 1-0 First Period

Mike Green scored a goal and then took another dangerous hit to the head in the first period of Game 5 of this Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series. Green left the ice minutes after scoring the goal that gives the Washington Capitals a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes. The Capitals advance to the second round with a victory here at the Verizon Center today. Washington out-shot New York 13-6 in the first.

Green’s goal came on a Capitals power play. Brian McCabe went off for a trip at 5:52. A mad scramble in front of Henrik Lundqvist happened, and the puck arrived on the stick of Alexander Ovechkin. He faked, passed it across to Green, who shot it. It deflected at the side of the net on goal, where Dan Girardi was covering for an out of position Henrik Lundqvist, but could not hold the line. It was Green’s first playoff goal and Ovechkin’s third assist of the series. A huge scrum occurred afterwards, when Girardi had been poked between the legs in the time after the puck had slid across the line. Afterwards, John Tortorella and the Rangers received a bench minor for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Green’s injury occurred on a Matt Gilroy shot hit him in what looked to be the helmet after Green went down to block a shot. Green skated off on his own power, and to a standing ovation from the crowd. As of now, he has not returned to the game, but has certainly made an impact.

The chant-off between the Madison Square Garden and Verizon Center continues to be vociferous. Capitals fans twice aligned for a “We are Louder!” chant, in response to the Rangers fans chants of “Can you hear us?!” This, of course, all stems from Bruce Boudreau’s knocking of the Garden in general after Game 3, and claiming his fans were louder. To be diplomatic, I’ll say that it appears to be a draw to this point.

Overall, Washington dominated much of the first period. They were more physical, faster, and better on the forecheck than the Rangers. Every time a Rangers defenseman went back into his zone, it seemed a Washington forward was on him at all times. The Rangers will need to find a way to beat out that forecheck and start getting more chances themselves if they want to get back in it.