Game Two Tonight

All three of the higher-seeded, home-standing teams have lost game two after winning game one. The best way for the Caps to buck that trend is by leading after the first period. Washington has scored 10 of its 22 playoff goals in the first period, the most first-period goals in the NHL. The Caps have a 13.3 shooting percentage in the first period (10-for-75) and just 7.2 percent in the second and third combined (12-for-167). Washington is 4-0 when leading after the first period and 3-1 when scoring first.

The Caps also are 13-17 all-time in Game 2, 8-8 when it is played at home and 7-12 following a win in Game 1. The Capitals are 2-5 against Pittsburgh in Game 2.

For more great stats, check out this compilation by Peerless.

Meanwhile, the Hershey Bears beat the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, 3-1, last night to take a 2-0 series lead. But the best part of the game was the AHL debut of John Carlson, of whom John Walton writes:

"This kid looks NHL ready NOW. His first pro goal in the first period was Mike Green-like, jumping up and scoring on a Mathieu Perreault rebound. He's in the lineup to stay, I think, after his performance tonight. Just incredible."

The Bears took the 2-0 series lead. Now the Caps have a chance to follow suit.