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Lesson Learned?: Capitals-Penguins Game 3 Preview

Justin Williams is eagerly awaiting Game 7, maybe. (Caps Outsider)

Despite being outplayed in two home games, the Capitals were lucky to get out of Washington with a split. They showed some signs of hope, however, in the third period of Game 2, though it wasn’t enough to notch a second goal.

The Capitals second line has been absent all series, but that probably won’t keep happening. Once that line wakes up, likely with former Conn Smythe winner Justin Williams leading the way, the series could swing back in the Caps’ favor.

After watching Matt Murray over these past couple of games, I’ve noticed he is rather aggressive in net. For the Caps to get pucks past him, they will need to move the puck east-west and take their shots when they get them. Murray also leaves juicy rebounds. The Caps will need to get bodies to the front of the net, and crash the net looking for loose pucks to put home – just like Marcus Johansson‘s goal on Saturday.

Orpik had a hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety on Sunday for this hit.

https://twitter.com/myregularface/status/726579794876485637

He will be suspended for the next three games.

Dmitry Orlov, who was benched for most of game 1, and was scratched for game 2, may return to the lineup with Orpik out.

Game 3 will likely be another close game if the Caps show up in the first two frames. If the Caps can have a good first period, they may be able to silence the home crowd and take a 2-1 series lead. Look for the Caps to have bodies in front and play a hard and tough game. Second chances will be the difference in the game. Either way, expect a split in Pittsburgh.

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.

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