At least John Carlson scored. (Caps Outsider)
It’s no secret that special teams can change a series, and it’s a large reason the Washington Capitals have a 3-0 series hole following a 3-1 loss to the New York Rangers on Friday night.
The Capitals power play has been powerless, going a combined 2-for-15, or 13% so far in the series following an 0-6 night. Since February 6, the first game after the All-Star break and bye week, the Caps had the top power play in the league, scoring on 28.9% of attempts.
“I think we were a little one and done too much,” Capitals defenseman John Carlson, who scored Washington’s only goal, said. “We know they have a good PK and we’re not going to win too much if we get that many chances and don’t score.”
The Cpas have allowed two shorthanded goals, effectively erasing their markers on the man advantage, after allowing just one in that time frame. Both have come at costly times. In Game 2 of the series, it gave the Rangers a two goal lead and ended up being the game winning goal. On Friday, it gave the Rangers a 2-1 lead almost halfway through the first period and for the second game in a row, ended up being the game winner.
“We’re trying to do the right thing, put the puck in there, but we’re exposed because we have one guy back,” Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said. “Our lack of foot speed is a huge issue in that department.”
To the Rangers’ credit, they had the second best penalty kill since February 6, killing off 86.7% of penalties against them while scoring four short handed goals.
Washington’s penalty kill has been less than spectacular as well.
The Rangers have scored on 3-out-of-12 power plays (25%) so far in the series, right where they have been since early February.
Nic Dowd, who is one of Washington’s top penalty killers, said that they might need to be a little more aggressive at denying the offensive zone to the Rangers and preventing them from getting set up, adding that it’s a “combination” of things.
The special teams struggles is especially painful for Washington who is arguably winning the five-on-five battle. NaturalStatTrick, gave the Capitals a two-to-one advantage in expected goals after adjusting for the score at five-on-five in Game 3. Moneypuck, had similar data.
“I think we’re playing really well five-on-five, I think special teams will always make a big difference in the playoffs,” Dowd said. “We got to find a way to win the special teams battle.”
As the Caps stare a sweep in the face, it’s no secret what needs to change for them to have a chance at coming back in the series. But just like an Alex Ovechkin shot from the left circle on the power play, everyone knows it’s coming, only the end result is to be determined.
