The Caps went into the playoffs with critics. Just a year ago, in the same top seeded position, they got upset early. Last night, after each blocked shot, it was hard to think, 'not again.'

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But the Caps fought through fatigue and played the kind of hockey we know they're capable of. Finally showing up when it counts.

For the game's first 45 minutes, the Capitals offense was turned away. Rangers goalie Henrik Lundquist was pitching a 1-0 shutout late in the third, but this battle-tested edition of the Caps stayed on the course.

With 6:16 to play in regulation, they finally got to Lundquist. A review confirmed Alex Ovechkin's tying tally. With about a minute left in overtime, Jason Arnott kept the puck in the Ranger's zone and fed it to Alex Semin for the final goal.

The Capitals blocked 32 shots in their 2-1 overtime victory Wednesday night, the most they've had in 29 playoff games under coach Bruce Boudreau. Karl Alzner had eight by himself.

Rangers coach John Tortorella said his team needs to figure out a way to create more scoring chances. He says players need to think about shooting more often and more quickly. Game 2 is Friday in at the Verizon Center.