Down two games to none, having lost consecutive home games in embarrassing fashion, the Capitals will come out of the gates in Pittsburgh tonight firing on all cylinders. Look for Washington to put the pressure on early, by dumping the puck and trying to knock the Penguins defenders into next week.
If there is a silver lining, it is that the Penguins are getting worn down. Having blocked 62 shots through two games, and being outhit 78-36 has taken its toll: Pittsburgh, already down Letang, add three more to the injury ledger in Hornqvist, Kuhnhackl, and Hainsey, although the latter two figure to play tonight.
The Capitals need to focus on their strengths, namely puck possession and taking advantage of their collective heft, instead of trying to match Pittsburgh's advantage in speed. The heaviest team in the East is not going to win many footraces. Washington was built to take the blue line by force, win battles along the boards, and to slow down and cycle down low. They are great at winning rebounds in front of the goal, but in order to do so, Oshie and Williams, who are not exactly fleet of foot, need the opportunity to get there. That does not happen much in the transition game.
At least not against Apolo Ohno dressed in black and yellow.
Washington breaks the drought and builds confidence tonight with a big win: 4-1.
If there is a silver lining, it is that the Penguins are getting worn down. Having blocked 62 shots through two games, and being outhit 78-36 has taken its toll: Pittsburgh, already down Letang, add three more to the injury ledger in Hornqvist, Kuhnhackl, and Hainsey, although the latter two figure to play tonight.
The Capitals need to focus on their strengths, namely puck possession and taking advantage of their collective heft, instead of trying to match Pittsburgh's advantage in speed. The heaviest team in the East is not going to win many footraces. Washington was built to take the blue line by force, win battles along the boards, and to slow down and cycle down low. They are great at winning rebounds in front of the goal, but in order to do so, Oshie and Williams, who are not exactly fleet of foot, need the opportunity to get there. That does not happen much in the transition game.
At least not against Apolo Ohno dressed in black and yellow.
Washington breaks the drought and builds confidence tonight with a big win: 4-1.
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