Wednesday night’s 4-3 loss to the Rangers in Game 1 of the first round of the playoffs had two telling signs: the Capitals need to focus on defense, and that this series is not quite over yet.

Whenever a lower seed bumps a higher seed in Game 1, that is what takes focus, but a good team can and will rebound. Win Saturday’s Game 2 and this series is tied and momentum swings back towards Washington. But how can Washington get past its hiccups in the first game and concentrate on equalizing this series?

Defense has to improve in order for Washington to win Saturday. Jeff Schultz looked terrible, and was “undressed” by Brandon Dubinsky, according to the Capitals’ TV broadcasters Craig Laughlin and Joe Beninati.

Schultz had a few poor defensive plays, and Brian Pothier, an upgrade on defense, was a healthy scratch. Had Pothier played, there would have been a major improvement in defensive play.

However, Coach Bruce Boudreau was positive about his team’s defense. “We allowed 21 shots and five power plays,” he said. “I thought we did a great job defensively.”

Defenseman Mike Green said, “It was unfortunate for us. They got some lucky shots and two of them were dumb changes by us so we’ve got to fix that.”

There are two solutions to fixing the defense for Game 2: fixing the dumb line changes and benching Jeff Schultz. But some might say it was goaltending that doomed the Capitals. Jose Theodore would agree with this, as he said, “I think overall the guys played a great game. I’ve just got to play it the way I can.”

Boudreau said that was a valid statement. “He’s right… but I’m sure he’s going to bounce back. He’s a professional and he’s played this game long enough. I’m sure he feels bad enough.”

The offense appears to be spot on, and the killer instinct showed last night. Saturday afternoon it will depend on the defense and goaltending. If they can step it up, the Capitals can turn the momentum in their favor before they head to New York.