Washington Capitals at Islanders: A must win Game 3

Evgeny Kuznetsov, Washington Capitals (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Evgeny Kuznetsov, Washington Capitals (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Plain and simple a must win game for the Washington Capitals.

The Washington Capitals look to get on the board in the series and the only way they can do that is if they can win Game 3. It is a must win game considering if they lose they’ll have their backs to the wall with an 0-3 deficit.

In the Alex Ovechkin era the Caps have fallen behind 0-2 in a playoff series four times and have posted a 2-2 record. In 20 career Game 3s, Ovechkin has recorded 24 points with 11 goals and 13 assists.

Braden Holtby will look for a bounce back game. He’s posted a 2.41 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage in 14 career Game 3s.

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The Caps were unable to protect a 2-0 lead in Game 1 and failed to seize momentum from Ovechkin goals in Game 2. They’ll look for a better result on Sunday.

“We know there are going to be close games, you see, we’ve only scored, what is it? Four goals so far. Sometimes that is all it takes in the playoffs if you are playing smart enough defensively, but we haven’t done that either,” said Carl Hagelin.

Nicklas Backstrom practiced with the team on Saturday, coming on the ice towards the end but Todd Reirden didn’t say whether or not he would play in Game 3. I wouldn’t count on it with him just coming out of concussion protocol.

Can the Caps get back in the series with a win in Game 3? Here is how to find out.

Date: August 16
Time: 12 noon
Where: Scotiabank Arena
TV Broadcast: NBC Sports Washington, USA
Radio: 94.7 The Drive, Caps Radio 24/7
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