The Pittsburgh Penguins are off to a great start in this eastern conference semi. After dumping the Caps in Washington 3-2 in game one, they’ve got the momentum heading into their second meeting. The big thing for the Pens is to monitor Alex Ovechkin; he’s the man that ignites absolutely everything for that team. When he’s off the board, generally, the rest of the club is off their game.
While they’re at it, they’ll also need to keep Sidney Crosby flying high. He tied Mario Lemieux last game for the franchise lead in multi-point playoff performances with 51 and he could overtake the ‘Marvellous One’ Saturday night. He’s been red hot in this post season and has flourished on a line with young gun Jake Guentzel.
Washington leads all teams in shots on goal this postseason and we can expect another barrage on Marc-Andre Fleury in this tilt. In game one, the Caps took a lot of shots with no traffic in front, so expect a mash up in the crease on numerous occasions. Meanwhile, if the Pens can keep their magical breakout going, they could catch the Caps napping.
The Washington Capitals are just too good of a team to be trailing a series this early and they’ll go through hell and high water to make sure they don’t fall behind by two. This team has faced adversity this at times this year and has done well coping. This is undoubtedly the strongest version of the red and white that Alex Ovechkin has ever played on, so it’s hard to imagine they’ll surrender both home contests here in the early going.
The Caps will need to rely on their third and fourth lines. They’re going to need everyone to step up if they want tie things up. Alex Ovechkin, TJ Oshie, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Nicklas Backstrom can’t be the only difference makers out there. You can always expect the clutch reliable hands of Justin Williams to contribute, but more will be needed.
Everyone will have to pitch in to beat arguably the best postseason team of the decade. Sure, the Blackhawks could wear that crown too, but they’re gone…long gone!
Writer’s Prediction
Washington ties this series with a dominant 4-1 win.
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