The first goal that Holtby let in should have been stopped. Since it was basically a 1 goal game (put aside the empty netter), that could be what cost them the game.
Both teams were playing in warp speed. When Vegas plays that fast and can go side to side there is nothing any goalie can do unless he gets help from his D. Tampa did that to the Bruins in the 2nd round. Both teams went full out offense. Exciting game for the fans. A trainwreck for the coaches.
I think that the Caps have plenty to be encouraged by:
-they didn't crush under being behind most of the game.
-they proved that Fleury can be beaten (interesting stat: although the Pens have killed the Caps every post season since the Clinton administration, Fleury's save percentage and GAA with the Caps and Ovi in particular are really fair to poor. The only reason the Pens kept winning is cause the Caps didn't have a goalie.
-they kept it a one goal game even though they were the away team.
Caps main concern: Holtby rebounds!
Based on last night's game, I'll make one of my world famously low accuracy predictions and say this will be a 6 or 7 game series and either team will take it. I also expect the next game to be the opposite of Monday night and be a 1-0 or 2-1 game. If the Caps can take game 2 they will have cleared the mental hurdle of Vegas being unbeatable and they will have home ice last change.
p.s. If Wilson keeps going they way he has, he will end up getting more reputation penalties and be in the doghouse like Marchand.