Preview

Game 5: Let’s Close This Out at Home

(Caps Outsider)

The Capitals were unable to close out the Philadelphia Flyers in a clean four game sweep, thus the two teams will square off again Friday at Verizon Center.

Even without Brooks Orpik in the line up, the Caps still have plenty of guys that can throw the body around. In game four, that was not the case. The Caps did not play the Flyers as they did in games 1-3. As a result, the Flyers were able to use their speed and get past Capital defenders and created scoring chances. The Flyers were also able to gain presence in front of the net and it lead to both of their goals.

It also seemed the Caps were trying to get the perfect setup in the offensive zone. Instead of just shooting the puck and forcing the goalie to make a save, the Caps were over-passing. Too many of those passes led to turnovers.

I expect a very different attitude from the Caps on Friday primarily because of this “pretty cheap” play by Brayden Schenn.

https://twitter.com/recordsANDradio/status/722953938249633792

Barry Trotz even spoke with the ref supervisor about it. This is not the first time Schenn has tried to injure a Caps player this series. I fully expect Tom Wilson to take some action against Schenn, somehow. I do not expect a fight, but a few big hits to show Schenn he should not poke the bear.

On the injury front, Wilson said he went to the locker room for “precautionary” reasons late in the third. He also said he “feels good.” Orpik is another story. Trotz does not know if Orpik will skate tomorrow and that he will be evaluated again. He is still considered day-to-day. If he is unable to go, I would not be surprised if Mike Weber, and not Taylor Chorney, takes the 6th defensive spot given how rugged of a game it will be. I do think Chorney played well on Wednesday, yet with everything else, a bigger more physical body might be the answer.

Brandon Alter

Brandon Alter covers all three teams in the Washington Capitals Organization. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in May of 2021.

Related Articles

Back to top button