Washington Capitals: Top 3 keys to victory against Islanders
Top 3 keys to a Game 5 Washington Capitals victory.
The Washington Capitals will take on the New York Islanders tonight in a do or die Game 5 after extending their season with a win on Tuesday night. The Caps will look for the same result to keep their season alive and keep the season going into the weekend.
There is an unknown about Washington’s lineup. Nicklas Backstrom took part in the morning skate and head coach Todd Reirden said he will be a game time decision.
Other than that, Reirden said the team is ready to keep their season alive.
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“It’s business. We know what’s at stake… It’s a group that is tight knit. I believe in our group. There was energy and passion and excitement to play again tonight and give ourselves a chance. We just need to win one game tonight and then we’ll worry about things from there,” said Reirden.
Here are the top 3 keys to a Caps victory tonight.
3. Braden Holtby
The Caps need another good start from Braden Holtby in net if they want to keep his tenure in D.C. alive. Holtby made 24 saves on 26 shots he faced for a .923 save percentage to ensure Tuesday wouldn’t be his last game in a Capitals sweater. Everyone hugged Holtby after the game as we don’t know when we’ll see Holtby’s last game with the Caps. Here’s hoping it’s not tonight.
2. The defense
The defense needs to tighten up if the Caps want to keep their season alive. The Caps defense hasn’t been good to put it bluntly. They have allowed 15 goals at even strength which is tied for the fourth most in the NHL.
The Caps will need their stars to step up. Especially John Carlson. After a torrid start put him in the conversation for the Norris Trophy, he’s been struggling in the playoffs. Reirden has tried different combinations but the defense is a far cry from what they were in 2018.
1. Offense
The offense needs to step up. The reason they’re down 3-1 is the offense has been unable to find their game nor score at five on five. How do you score more on the offensive side? Getting the puck in the offensive zone. The goal is to get sustained offensive zone pressure in Game 5. Do that and they’ll have a chance at a win.
Trending. Nicklas Backstrom a game time decision. light
Those are our top 3 keys to a Caps victory. What are your three keys to a win tonight?