Capitals vs. Maple Leafs: Three Keys To Victory In Game 2

Apr 13, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals right wing T.J. Oshie (77) and eft wing Alex Ovechkin (8) and center Nicklas Backstrom (19) talk on the ice against the Toronto Maple Leafs in game one of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

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The Washington Capitals look to take a 2-0 series lead over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday April 15. Here are three keys to victory.

Despite a slow start, the Washington Capitals are off to a strong start to the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs. At one point in Game 1, they were down two goals to the underdog Toronto Maple Leafs. However, the Caps got their wakeup call and dominated the last 37 minutes of the game. Their effort wasn’t ignored, as Tom Wilson scored in overtime to give Washington a 1-0 series lead.

On Saturday April 15, they will look to grab a 2-0 series lead and put some more pressure on the Maple Leafs. At worst, the Caps will leave home with a split series. However, grabbing a 2-0 series lead would be most ideal, as it would ease some of the pressure off of them while putting some on the Leafs for a change.

While they won in Game 1, they must make some adjustments going into Game 2. Some of these adjustments will prove to be keys to the second game of the series. Washington can’t afford to let Toronto get much momentum, as they’re a team that can run with it. Hopefully the first few minutes of Game 1 served as an alarm clock for the Caps, as they nearly dug themselves into a hole they couldn’t get out of. Washington can’t assume they’ll be able to do it again.

Here are three keys to a Caps victory over the Maple Leafs in Game 2.

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