Nick Perretti's blog

If there is one lesson we can learn from this series so far, its that no matter which team is the best on the ice, it doesn't necessarily mean it will  translate into a win.
 
The Capitals last night were outplayed for the better part of 3 periods.  In the first period the Rangers looked alive: they had a strong forecheck, managed to keep the puck in the offensive zone and didn't give up a ridiculous amount of shots on goal.  Going into the first intermission, they were down 2-0.   Make sense?   No, but has this series so far?

The Capitals are down 2-0, and 4 residents of Sweden are to blame.

Before the playoffs started, I mentioned in my blog, that Capitals success would depend on the play of role players such as Brooks Laich and Tomas Fleischmann. So far  they haven't produced, but their Swedish counter-parts on the Rangers have taken their game to a whole new level.

Henrik Lundqvist has shown Capitals fans why in New York they call him 'King.' Photo by Nick PerrettiIn the nation's capital, Swedish goalie Henrik Lundqvist showed the Capitals why he is called 'King.'

Are the Capitals seriously thinking of pulling starting goalie Jose Theodore and 2002 Vezina Award winner, for the rookie Simeon Varlamov?

KEYS FOR CAPITALS SUCCESS:

Jose Theodore

BEER OF THE MOMENT:  Capitol City Cherry Blossom Ale

Cherry Blossom Ale is a seasonal beer brewed by the Capitol City Brewing Company in coordination with spring and the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C.Cherry Blossom Ale at the Capitol City Brewpub in Downtown D.C. Photo by Nick Perretti

"In like a lion, out like a lamb," is a popular saying describing the weather of March as the change in seasons occur.  After Sunday's "spring-like" weather, I hope this saying holds true.Blooming Japanese Magnolias are an early indicator that spring has arrived. Photo by Nick Perretti

Tonight starting at 7p.m, join me and my colleague Cooper Allen from a viewing party at  "The Tavern" on the AU Campus, as we live blog the Eagles NCAA Tournament game.The underdog AU Eagles have a chance to pull off a major upset as they take on the Villanova Wildcats in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Photo by Nick

ARENAL, Costa Rica--The phrase "spring break in Costa Rica," may conjure up images of relaxation and indulgence, however my experience in Costa Rica was defined by wildlife.A Spectacled Caiman basks in the sun on a log in Rio Frio, Costa Rica. Photo by Nick Perretti