Capitals replace rookie goalie Varlamov after falling behind 4-0 in 2nd period of Game 7

Caps replace rookie goalie, down 4-0 in Game 7

WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals replaced rookie goaltender Simeon Varlamov with veteran Jose Theodore after falling behind 4-0 in the second period Wednesday night in Game 7 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Varlamov had anchored the Capitals in net for the previous 12 games. But he allowed goals on back-to-back shots in both the first and second periods and was sent to the bench at 2:13 of the second.

The 21-year-old goalie had only played in six career regular-season games. He became a surprise sensation after replacing Theodore following a Game 1 loss to the New York Rangers in the first round.