Alex Ovechkin skated past Henrik Lundqvist seconds after rifling home the first goal of Game 1, and according to one national television account, was distinctly heard shouting "All series, baby, all series!" at the Rangers' goaltender.
But there's no way the rest of this series can compare to the absolutely stunning finish to the opener.
The Blueshirts already are down a game in this second-round Eastern Conference playoff series - and in shocking fashion - after falling to the Capitals by a 2-1count Thursday night at the silenced Garden on Joel Ward's close-range goal with 1.