1. The physical game is in full effect. 

Man oh man have these two teams mashed each other through the first two games of the series. Whether its Tom Wilson taking out Jonathan Marchessault in Game One, Ryan Reaves getting Wilson back in Game Two, or both goalies falling on their assess in both games, it is all there. Both teams are fast, but Vegas appears to be a tad bit faster. At this point of the season, physical play is expected at every shift and these two teams have yet to disappoint with 148 hits combined between the two teams. Keep your head on swivel out there boys.

2. Ovechkin showed up, finally.

All-time great goal scorer Alexander Ovechkin finally scored in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the second period of Game Two. Ovi appeared to be a no-show for the most part of Game One during the Stanley Cup Finals. Has the pressure gotten to him? No, I don’t think so, the guy is a natural goal scorer and as long as the defense gives him space he is going to take advantage of it. Not to mention, he has 22 goals on Marc-Andre Fleury in 38 regular season games, and Wednesday night’s goal just adds another.  These are the biggest games Ovechkin has ever played, in but any hockey fan must believe in his ability.

3. Fleury and his best friend.

Speaking of Marc-Andre Fleury, his good buddy, one of the three posts, have continued to be his best friend during these playoffs. Honestly, how may posts have you heard the Capitals hit so far in just these two games? Feels like ten- maybe twelve, but anyways, that friend has been there all throughout these playoffs. Fleury has been seen on camera rubbing the posts with his glove hand  every single series, and if you’re as successful in net as Fleury is, you need a little luck. Despite giving up seven goals this series, Fleury has made the saves he has needed to and has robbed some great shots coming from the Caps. Fleury, as well as his counterpart Holtby, remains three wins away from the Stanley Cup.

4.  T.J. Oshie has shined.

The U.S.A. native and legitimate threat this postseason has gained all the stars the Capitals wear upon their jerseys. Oshie had 7+10=17 points in 20 games entering Wednesday’s game, including some clutch powerplay goals against Tampa, and a sick back-hand no look pass to John Carlson in Game One. Oshie had 0 points on Wednesday but still remained a presence and should only continue to do so from here on out. He doesn’t need to play on that top line with Ovechkin to score because he is that good. Unfortunately, his line-mate Evgeny Kuznestov did not return to the game tonight following an injury, so we will see if Barry Trotz makes any changes to his lineup.

5. This series will be one to remember. 

An outstanding Game Two ended in a flurry of scoring opportunities for the Vegas Golden Knights. Brayden Holtby stood on his head while making an unreal save against Alex Tuch with two minutes to go. The Capitals defense also played that “picket fence” style of defense as described during the broadcast. Great game. Great atmosphere. And it should be just as loud if not, louder in our Nation’s Capital. 1-1 heading into Game Three, I see Vegas showing up and stealing the spotlight on Friday’s matchup.

Written by Nick Gendreau