Washington Capitals: 3 keys to victory in Game 6
The Washington Capitals face yet another must win scenario in Game 6 of their series against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Here are three keys to victory in a very pivotal game.
In Game 5, the Washington Capitals refused to let their season end at home. Going into the third period down 2-1, the Caps came up with three unanswered goals, including two in under 30 seconds. Their 4-2 win cuts the Pittsburgh Penguins’ series lead to 3-2 and takes the battle back to Pittsburgh for Game 6 on Monday.
It goes without saying Monday’s matchup is the most important game in Capitals’ history. The team has put a lot of work into making sure they win a Stanley Cup this season. With many key free agents after this season, this could be the last chance for Alex Ovechkin to win a title with the Caps.
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Perhaps the third period is what the Capitals really needed. They finally broke through Marc-Andre Fleury and all their hard work dominating puck possession finally netted a positive result. How can they take the series back to Washington for Game 7? Here are three keys to victory in Game 6 on Monday.
Killer Instinct
The Washington Capitals must come out ready to destroy the Penguins in Game 6. They have to be completely relentless, much like they were during Game 5. At the same time though, the Caps must focus on the task at hand.
They got good traffic in front of Fleury in the third period of Game 5, so this is something the Capitals must do in Game 6. This series means so much to the Caps and they have to play like it does. Ovechkin showed impressive leadership in Game 5 and his team has to keep on pushing.
Discipline
It’s hard to make a comeback when you’re in the penalty box. Nate Schmidt’s second period holding penalty against Sidney Crosby nearly ended their season as the Penguins capitalized on the ensuing power play. Pittsburgh is far too dangerous with the man advantage to give them any opportunities on it. The Capitals did quite well in Game 5, only committing two penalties.
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Win The Goaltending Battle
Braden Holtby has been struggling for this entire series against the Penguins. It’s rare to see the Holtbeast struggle this badly. Holtby’s usually the best goalie in any given game, but it hasn’t been true this series. However, he can build on a very nice third period in Game 5, during which he stopped each of the 12 shots he faced. Holtby hasn’t stolen any games in this series yet and it would be a huge help if he does at some point in the next two games. Or better yet, if his team plays so well he doesn’t have to steal any games.