via @PaulNicholsDC
After an incredible game 1, the Capitals will look to give themselves a 2-0 series cushion Saturday before they depart for two games in Pittsburgh. The Penguins, who would be fine with a split, will work on their kinks on the power play to try and even the series.
TJ Oshie performed exactly how I wanted him to. He made the Penguins respect him, and they failed to stop him. I expect the Penguins to defend him much closer in game 2, which will give Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom more room.
The Caps handled the Penguins’ speed rather well. However, one odd man break can be the difference in this series. Especially in the case for Dmitry Orlov.
https://twitter.com/myregularface/status/725859976275746817
After this goal, Orlov was benched. He had one more shift the entire game. I like how Barry Trotz was not afraid to send a message. I fully expect Taylor Chorney to play in game 2.
The Caps’ penalty kill was once again perfect. They are now 25/26 this postseason. The Caps were rather disciplined too as they were shorthanded only twice in Game 1. If the Caps’ penalty kill can keep this up, it will lead to a lot frustration for the Penguins.
Meanwhile, Tom Wilson is in the head of Penguins superstar Evgeni Malkin.
https://twitter.com/myregularface/status/725862087654838272
Both Wilson and Malkin got matching minors on this play. In a tied game, I will gladly take Wilson for Malkin. Wilson will be a key factor in drawing the Penguins into stupid penalties, so long as he doesn’t take bad ones himself (He was fined for his hit on Conor Sheary).
I really liked how the Caps played in game 1. Things will open up for Backstrom and Ovechkin now that Oshie is shooting. Look for the Caps to tire out the Penguins. If the Caps can start to capitalize on their power plays and start puncturing Matt Murray‘s confidence, this series may not be as close as many predict.
