Double (2-0). 0 (0-3). Seven.

So far, it has been as series for the ages. Could we really expect anything more from these two teams heading into game 7? It has been hyped as the NHL's "marquee" match-up since 2004 (when Sid and Ovi were drafted), and all everyone has been hearing about since the onset of this year's playoffs. Yes, this Capitals/Penguins series has certainly met and exceeded all possible expectations. In six games we have seen more lead changes, more overtimes, more intensity, more hustle and more insane saves than in any series in recent memory. You've had two superstars live up to their names and then some, as well as a myriad of unlikely heroes along the way. This has been a series where the teams have been tied or within a goal of each other 92 percent of the time. I mean, how much better could this get? It has become the NHL's version of the Celtics-Bulls series that wowed the country two weeks ago. A sort of "NBA on ice" that has already seen three different overtimes (The Caps have now played more overtime periods against the Penguins than against any other franchise), and has had just as much razzle dazzle as any play-off series in any sport over the last decade.

What's interesting about this series though, is that nothing seemed to add up from the start. In five out of the six games played, the team that has scored first DID NOT end up winning, which is an anomaly in itself. You had the team that went up a commanding two games to nothing turn around and lose the next three (after winning a franchise record five in a row) and facing elimination going into game six. The Capitals have been out shot in every game, and really outplayed in every offensive category throughout this entire series, and yet here we are at a 3-3 stalemate and you can throw everything else out the window. Its been a series where the NHL's self-proclaimed "saviors" have clashed to combine for 23 points (13 points for Ovechkin on 7 goals and 6 assists and 10 points for Crosby on 6 goals and 4 assists) in only six games, culminating in a thrilling Monday night showdown that almost ended this Cinderella story one game too early. Fortunately for the Capitals, that wasn't the case.

Things looked bleak early for the Capitals who trailed 1-0 giving up a goal four minutes into the first period to Bill Guerin after a turnover by Alexander Semin. The defense held strong though, eventually shutting out the charging Pens for the rest of the period. The Caps were out shot 18-5 by Pittsburgh in the period, making it the biggest period shot differential that the Caps have faced all play-offs. Going into the second period and facing the same deficit, the Caps finally were able to generate some offense. Ignited by Victor Kozlov, who finished with two goals on the night (the first multi-goal play-off game of his career), and continued by my boy Thomas Fleicshmann, the Caps jumped to a 2-1 lead that they looked like they were going to hold heading in the third. That was until defender Mark Eaton tied it up on a power-play goal with 50 seconds remaining in the period.

So the stage was set like it had been so many times before. Tie game heading into the third period. You could feel the tension amongst us Caps fans. Uncertainty was the only thing that was certain as we approached the final twenty minutes of regulation. Another power-play early into the period spelled disaster for Washington as Kris Letang (goals in three straight games) capitalized and gave the Pens a 3-2 lead. Not sixty seconds later, the Capitals answered tying the game off of a goal by Semin, who finally woke up from his play-off coma, then took the lead thirty seconds later thanks to a second goal by Victor Kozlov. So this should be it, right? The Caps hold on and push the series to game seven just like the experts predicted. Wrong, that would be too easy. Sid the Kid scored with under five minutes to play to tie the game, yet again, at 4 goals apiece.

The final act of regulation came with two minutes to play. After Brooks Laich was hit with a critical slashing call that put the Pens on a power play, it was up to the defense to close out regulation. At this point, Pittsburgh had connected on two out of four power plays and had all the momentum to close this thing out as the thought of another overtime loomed large. Washington's defense as well as goalie Simeon Voila-mov played fantastic during this final stretch and the Caps were able to push the game to yet another overtime. Voila had a wonderful game, despite allowing four goals, racking up 38 saves (the Caps were out-shot 42-26 in the game) and keeping his save percentage above 90%. He was hit with a barrage of shots over those final two minutes, but he never faltered. He's still playing like a seasoned veteran despite being only 21 years old and has definitely been Washington's "X-factor" all play-offs.

Finally, game six of the series was right where it needed to be: Overtime. Unlike two of the three games that preceded it, this time it was the Capital's whose backs were against the wall and it was clear that they would not go down without a fight. Despite being on the road, the Caps had the momentum going into the extra period, coming off of a big penalty kill to end regulation. They played with the confidence that they had at the end of their first round match-up with the Rangers and looked like the better team on the ice for the first time in three games. Then it came down to the unlikeliest of heroes. David Steckel, a solid role player over the course of the regular season who was beginning to come into his own this series deflected Brooks Laich's shot past Marc-Andre Fleury into the net for the game winner. This was Steckel's third goal of the series. In what was certainly the biggest shot of his career, Steckel saved the game and the season for a Capitals team too loaded with talent to call it quits in the second round. Steckel helped the Caps break their seven overtime game losing streak and bring a HUGE momentum shift heading into Washington for game seven. After six games of this series I can say that it has been a bumpy, uncertain and gut-wrenching ride that unfortunately has to end come Wednesday.I, for one, can't wait to see how it plays out.

In other news, Washington Nationals stud third baseman Ryan Zimmerman looks to extend his hit streak to 30 games. Now, all you readers know that I am an O's fan and I have been known to say that I would take Nick Markakis over Zim any day, but I gotta tell ya, this kid is slowly making me eat my words. He essentially makes the strike zone disappear when he's at the plate, its unbelievable. I know its early to bring up "what shall not be named" and I don't want to jinx the guy, but could you imagine? It's nice to see the Nats have some relevance for once in the majors, and they have actually been playing somewhat well as of late. Behind the bat of Zimmerman, along with the arms of some young pitching, the Nats have finally cracked double digits in wins (didn't think we'd be seeing that until June!). Adam Dunn is leading the team with 11 homers and Zim is currently hitting .381 with 6 dingers of his own. Don't look now, but these guys could have a better record than the O's pretty soon...unfortunately. But seriously, I'm happy for them, keep up the good work guys.

There are a couple of big games in the NBA playoffs tonight as the Magic look to bounce back after a heartbreaking loss at home to the C's on Sunday night courtesy of a Big Baby Davis 18-footer to win the game 95-94. The Lakers also look to reclaim the series lead after falling to a Yao-less Rockets on Sunday. These are both great series and I can't wait to see what happens. Finally the O's open up a two game series with the D-Rays tonight as they try to claw their way back to .500.

some statistics courtesy of espn.com

That's all I got for today, you better watch Game 7 tomorrow night if you know what's good for you. Donald Brashear looks to make his return after facing a 6-game suspension and then a healthy scratch last game. Until next time...