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Washington Capitals trail 3-2 entering the 3rd period of Game 4

By Alan Helimsky

Jan 21, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) in action during the game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Capitals defeat the Stars 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) in action during the game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Capitals defeat the Stars 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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At the end of the 2nd period, the Washington Capitals trail the Penguins 3-2.

Washington will start the 3rd period with two minutes of power play time after a high-sticking call late in the 2nd. Down one goal, can the Washington Capitals finally take advantage, and above all, WIN THE THIRD PERIOD?

Evgeny Kuznetsov scored for the Washington Capitals 7:21 into the 2nd period to cut the Penguins lead to 2-1. Not long after, defenseman Nate Schmidt hammered the puck between the circles and past Fleury to tie the game. This quick response came minutes after the Penguins scored a goal thanks to a redirection off of Dmitry Orlov’s skate.

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Until Kuznetsov found the back of the net, the Washington Capitals were searching hard for their own puck luck. After a few sustained shifts, Kuznetsov found himself open at the top of the left circle. He made no mistake, as he sniped his 4th goal of the Playoffs blocker side past Fleury.

1:11 after Kuznetsov’s goal, Nate Schmidt blasted a hard slap-shot past Fleury to tie the game at 2. The goal came after a Pittsburgh turnover, combined with strong pressure by the Capitals. The puck escaped everyone’s sticks, found a sweet spot in the offensive zone, where Schmidt made no mistake.

Justin Shultz scored three minutes after Schmidt’s goal to break the tie and give the lead back to Pittsburgh. The Capitals will start with the 3rd period a man up, thanks to a late high stick by the man who gave the Penguins their lead.

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The Capitals are sustaining strong and effective pressure in this game. While they found themselves down 2-0, they were able to battle back after taking advantage of Penguins turnovers. Washington’s chances of winning this game will increase greatly if they continue to grind the Penguins skaters down and keep forcing turnovers.

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