The Washington Capitals get another shot to defeat the Carolina Hurricanes, a team they have had difficulty in figuring out since last year’s playoffs. Here is how the match up might unfold.
After the Capitals finally slayed one of their demons in the Blue Jackets, it appeared they were ready to put their other demons behind them.
But they are in the midst of a two game losing streak after falling to the New York Islanders 4-3 on home ice to close out the decade.
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Ever since Barry Trotz took over the Islanders, the Capitals have split the games even with a 3-3 record going back to last season. While the Capitals were under the tutelage of Trotz they were 10-7 against the Islanders. Apparently Barry was able to take with him a few tidbits on how to compete with the Capitals, and has found the right formula.
Trotz’s job was made easier with the standout play from another ex-Cap, Semyon Varlamov who had 36 saves and a 0.923 SV%. Even in the midst of a power play to close out the game, Varlamov and the Islanders defense held off the Capitals with an empty net and two extra skaters to hold the lead and the win.
Some positives the Capitals can move on to the next game with is the ability for some secondary scoring to show up, with two goals from Kuznetsov and one from Wilson. The Capitals also held the advantage in the faceoff dot 31-22. Finally, the Capitals were only called for three minor penalties resulting in six PIM. Some areas for them to work on in the next game, is their power play efficiency, team defense while in transition and their clearing of the goal mouth of the opposition.
Next the Capitals get another chance to defeat the Hurricanes who they lost to right before facing the Islanders. This is the same team the Caps have failed to beat since March 28th last year. Their last match up before meeting in the playoffs for the incredible seven game series that followed and eliminated the Capitals from defending their Championship.
Both teams share the same record over their last five games with a record of 2-3, but they are heading in the opposite directions as the Hurricanes are riding a two game win streak as the Caps have lost the last two. By the numbers in their last match up the Capitals should have overcome the Hurricanes, but the Hurricanes got the best of the Capitals. The Caps lead the Hurricanes in face off wins, hits and power play opportunities and even held the same amount of shots.
The Capitals can overcome the bad luck that gave the Hurricanes the last game. They will need to capitalize on all power play opportunities. Continue to impose their physicality to set the tone. And continue to own the face off dot to ensure they hold the time of possession game in their hands. If they can do this along with some timely scoring up and down the roster they should overcome their nemesis the Hurricanes.
Here is how to follow along:
Date: Jan. 3rd
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Where: PNC Arena
TV Broadcast: NBC Sports Washington +
Radio: WJFK 106.7 The Fan, Caps Radio 24/7
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