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NHL Playoffs 2017: Missed Chances Killed The Washington Capitals In Game 3

By Dave Stevenson

Apr 17, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) reacts as Toronto Maple Leafs players celebrate a second period goal in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) reacts as Toronto Maple Leafs players celebrate a second period goal in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Capitals shot themselves in the foot in Game 3. 

To become Stanley Cup champions, a team must execute well and not beat themselves. Otherwise, playoff teams will beat you just about every time. The Washington Capitals learned this painful lesson in Game 3. Despite holding an early two goal lead and regaining it in the second period, the Caps let the Toronto Maple Leafs off the hook. Moreover, they let them come back by missing on numerous opportunities to score.

The Caps, despite getting outplayed by the Leafs, had opportunities to put the game away. They failed because of their inability to finish. Toronto committed numerous penalties in the second period and the Caps couldn’t score on the ensuing power plays to give themselves a three goal lead.

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Washington’s biggest missed opportunity came at the 6:52 mark of the second period. Matt Hunwick hooked Jay Beagle for the first penalty. Next, Matt Martin got a double minor for roughing, giving the Washington Capitals a two man advantage for two minutes. Kevin Shattenkirk missed a wide open net and the Caps failed to convert on what should have been an easy opportunity to score.

During the power play, they weren’t nearly aggressive enough. The Caps lacked a killer instinct, trying to set up too perfect of a play instead of getting pucks to the net. And when they tried to get pucks to the net, they didn’t convert. It’s rare to see the Capitals power play in disarray, but it certainly was in Game 3. And their untimely cold streak might wind up costing them the series unless they can right the ship.

Third Period

The Capitals came out very weak in the third period, allowing the Leafs to dictate play. They probably should have lost in regulation. Only Braden Holtby kept Toronto from scoring in the final 20 minutes of regulation. It took the Caps over 10 minutes to get their first shot on goal in the third period. For a team who aspires to be Stanley Cup champions, this is unacceptable. They handed the Leafs a ton of momentum with their inability to stay out of the penalty box. Lars Eller’s penalty with 15 seconds left in regulation proved to be lethal, as the Maple Leafs scored in overtime on the ensuing power play.

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Now the Capitals face a very pivotal Game 4. Their backs are against the wall. On Wednesday, Caps fans will see how this team responds to what adversity. Can they pull out a win, much like they did against the New York Islanders in 2015? Or will the Caps continue to miss opportunities while giving the Leafs too many?

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