Only followed the first two periods on the score sheet, and I'm now listening to the Flyers radio.

The Donald opened the score early in the first period, from Bradley and Poti, and Prospal tied the game five minutes later.

In the second, Steckel scored early, assisted by Bradley (again) and Erskine. But the Flyers replied with 3 goals in a little more than 3 minutes (Brière just out of the box, then Prospal again, then Brière again, on the PP) and it was 4-2 Flyers at the second intermission.

Then I started the radio. The Caps had 20 minutes to score 2 goals, so I wasn't too worried. It only took them 6:26 to do that, both goals scored by Green, assisted first by Fedorov and Semin, then by Ovechkin and Backstrom. And right after that, Huet makes a huge save on a great play by the Flyers.

OVECHKIN SCOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORES!!!!!! 5-4 Caps, now. That's the playoffs.

It was right after stealing the puck, so it's an unassisted goal.

Final score. Caps win game 1! The series continues. 8 in a row.

Ovechkin had 8 hits, Bradley 7, Cooke 6 and Jurcina 5. That's impressive.

Ovechkin, Semin and Green shot a lot (I also count the blocked and missed shots).

Stars:

1. Green
2. Ovechkin
3. Briere

Meanwhile, Crosby has 4 secondary assists, and Malkin 3 primary ones, as the Pens beat the Sens 5-3.

I had a great seat.... 401-H-13- if you're behind the bench, I'm between the SC logo and the red faceoff dots, at the end to the right (where the Caps shoot twice). Great view of the crease and the net (only one row of seats in front of me, with a low rail in front of that).

True story- I was on my feet screaming before Brashear even touched the puck- could see it coming. Rocking crowd, everyone's into the "Rock the Red" theme, saw very few older jerseys... and a few orange as well. The Flyers fans near me were courteous, had a good time, gave some ribbing when they went up 4-2 and took it well by the end of the game. No fights in the stands that I saw.

All in all, a great start to the playoffs for Ovechkin and company. Didn't seem nervous or intimidated, even when they gave up 3 goals in a row in 3:36 (and the first 2 of those in :33 ) .... kept their heads, discussed it in huddles on the ice during the timeouts, and stayed cool.

Growing team; learning team.

Tonight, awesome team.