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Washington Capitals: Through Six Games, Game 7’s Outcome is Anyone’s Guess

By Michael Marzzacco

RALEIGH, NC - APRIL 22: Capitals teammates mob Washington Capitals right wing Brett Connolly (10) after his 1st period goal during a game between the Washington Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes in game 6 of the Stanley Cup eastern division quarter finals in Raleigh, NC on April 22, 2019 . (Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - APRIL 22: Capitals teammates mob Washington Capitals right wing Brett Connolly (10) after his 1st period goal during a game between the Washington Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes in game 6 of the Stanley Cup eastern division quarter finals in Raleigh, NC on April 22, 2019 . (Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images) /
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Six games in. And still so many unanswered questions. The Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes head to Game 7.

How the Washington Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes got to this point is remarkable in itself. You’ve heard hockey writers say that home ice advantage doesn’t mean much in the playoffs but in this first round series, it’s been all about home ice advantage. Yet this Game 7, this best-of-seven turned best-of-one, home ice advantage may actually not matter.

We’ve seen the Capitals triumph or turn over in these scenarios. There’s two that come to my mind that have resulted in either victory or defeat. The 2013 first round between the Capitals and New York Rangers in a lockout-shortened season was a series that featured the home team coming out on top every time. In Game 7, however, that didn’t matter one bit.

Then there’s the 2015 first round series that pitted Washington against the New York Islanders. That one wasn’t a series that had the home team winning each time but it featured close and exciting games.

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The Capitals had a chance to close it out on the Island in Game 6 but failed to do so. The result was some nerves before Game 7. This time, the Capitals prevailed thanks to Evgeny Kuznetsov.

Game 6 had promise in the beginning but in the end they ultimately came up short. Though adversity is nothing new to the defending Stanley Cup champions.

Last season, they were down 3-2 against the Tampa Bay Lightning but showed the heart of a champion with two straight wins to take the series.

The Capitals need to show that same heart and if Game 5’s performance was any indication, a game which the Caps entered with two straight losses in an even series, they can show that heart of a champion in Game 7 and prove to the hockey world that they aren’t ready to hand over the Stanley Cup just yet.

On the other side is confidence for the underdogs. They took the defending champs to the brink and earned the right to play a Game 7. They’re an opponent the Capitals haven’t taken lightly. And if any pundits have taken them lightly, they shouldn’t now.

Next. Capitals Drop Game 6. dark

It all sets up for a big stage in our Nation’s Capital at Capital One Arena. The defending Cup champs vs. the underdogs trying to knock them down. This series has been close and Game 7 will certainly be good theatre.

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