Capitals Go For 10 Straight Wins Monday in Pittsburgh
Can the Capitals keep the streak alive against rival Pittsburgh?
There hasn’t been much time for the Washington Capitals to really enjoy their current winning streak, as the schedule has been very busy. After picking up their ninth consecutive win Sunday at home over the Philadelphia Flyers, the Caps are back at it again Monday night. Up next is a tough road battle with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
If the Caps were to win number 10 Monday night it would be their longest streak since winning nine straight during a stretch in December last season.
However, there’s no team that would love to spoil the streak more than the Pittsburgh Penguins.
With epic regular season and postseason games in their history, it’s no secret that Washington and Pittsburgh are not the best of friends.
Washington holds the advantage over Pittsburgh this season, having won two games at Verizon Center. The latest was a dominating 5-2 victory on January 11. Pittsburgh opened the season with a shootout win at home over the Caps.
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The Capitals have obviously been on fire lately. Superstars Nicklas Backstrom and Alexander Ovechkin have both been playing great, but the key to Washington’s success has been the play of the defensemen and the bottom two lines. Right now, the Caps look like one of the deepest teams in the league.
Aside from the great offense, the defense has been spectacular. Opponents have managed just three total goals in the last six games. Of course, one of the biggest reasons for the stellar defense has been the play of goaltender Braden Holtby.
Holtby has finally started to play like last year’s Vezina Trophy winner and has put up some amazing numbers as of late.
He has won five straight starts and six of his last seven. He did have a hiccup against the Maple Leafs in which he was pulled after allowing three goals in the first period, but aside from that, he’s been masterful. In his last five starts he’s allowed just three goals and has three shutouts.
Even Holtby’s backup, Philipp Grubauer has gotten in on the action. The backup netminder got the starting nod Sunday against the Flyers and pitched a shutout.
Pittsburgh won’t be an easy out for the Caps, especially at home. The Penguins are 18-2-2 at PPG Paints Arena so far this season.
The Penguins are one of the top scoring teams in the entire NHL and have been fantastic on the Power Play. Center Sidney Crosby continues to lead the league with 26 goals. Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury tended the net last week against the Caps and struggled, so there’s an expectation that Matt Murray will be between the pipes Monday.
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Washington is 11-4-4 on the road this year and will look to keep its spot at the top of the Eastern Conference with a win over the Penguins Monday.