Momentum can be rather fickle, but the first big shift in the Stanley Cup came to the Washington Capitals in Game Two on Wednesday. Now the Capitals will try to tap into that surge of confidence to overcome a less than spectacular home record in the playoffs to take the lead in the best-of-seven series.
Game Three is Saturday at Capital One Arena, where home ice has been anything but an advantage for Washington. They are 4-5 at home so far in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, a record that includes two losses in the first two games to the Columbus Blue Jackets, a team that were supposed to beat handily.
After posting their ninth win on the road, Washington will try and make it two consecutive victories against the expansion Golden Knights, who find themselves in an unfamiliar position with sportsbooks. Oddsmakers made the Capitals the favorite on Saturday at -135. Vegas opened at a +115, but has seen the line come down to as low as +105 in some places.
The over/under is set at 5.5.
Save Might Save Season
When Alex Tuch had a wide open net in the third period, it appeared he was going to easily tie the game. That was until Washington goalie Braden Holtby swung from his left to right and made a miraculous stick save on the goal. It preserved the 3-2 lead and left players on both sides scratching their heads.
Washington’s Andre Burakovsky watched the play from the bench and couldn’t believe what he saw.
“My heart stopped on the bench,” Burakovsky said. “I mean, the last five minutes I never think I’ve been this nervous in my life. When he saved that, I was just, I mean, it’s unbelievable.”
The shooter had a more succinct assessment of the play after the game.
“I have to bury that shot,” Tuch said.
That wasn’t the only missed opportunity for the Golden Knights. They also had a 5-on-3 power play for a minute and failed to capitalize on the two-man advantage.
“Definitely when you have a 5-on-3 in the playoffs you have to score,” Jonathan Marchessault said. “I think that’s on us.”
Game Plan Not Changing
It was only the second home loss for Vegas in the playoffs, and coach Gerard Gallant said he’s not making any alterations as a result.
“There’s no panic,” Gallant said Thursday during a conference call with reporters. “We’ve just got to play a little bit better, work hard and compete. We know it’s never going to be easy to win a Stanley Cup, so you’ve just got to focus on the next game. You don’t worry about the last game that just finished. You get prepared for the next game on Saturday.”
Gallant is sure to remind his team of what happened in Game 2 against the San Jose Sharks in the second round of the playoffs. The team had lost in overtime at home and went on to win the next three of four to win that series.
“I think we try to play the same game no matter what building we’re playing at,” Gallant said. “It worked really well for us so far in the postseason. Just try and play the same game. Play a quick, fast game, an up-tempo game. Every game is important in the playoffs, so I really don’t think it matters if you’re playing at home or on the road. Just make sure you’re focused for that game.”
