Game 3 Preview: Capitals @ Penguins

Down 0-2, the Washington Capitals head into Game 3 in Pittsburgh in a must-win scenario. The Capitals did not get the start they wanted in this series and are looking to win in Pittsburgh for the first time in 2 years. Puck drop is at 7:30 PM ET on NBCSN.

PITTSBURGH

The Penguins routed the Capitals with a 6-2 win in DC on Saturday night. While they won easily on the scoreboard, their lineup may have taken a few injury blows.

The Penguins lost Patric Hornqvist and Ron Hainsey during the game and they are considered game-time decisions for Game 3. Carl Hagelin and Brian Dumoulin are also game-time decisions for Game 3.

Dumoulin, Hagelin and Hornqvist will be game-time decisions, per Sullivan.

— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) May 1, 2017

The stars have come to play for the Penguins. Sidney Crosby has recorded 2 goals and 4 points in the two playoff games against the Capitals. Crosby’s linemate, Jake Guentzel, leads all Penguins with 7 goals in the playoffs.

While they are dinged up with injuries, the Penguins still have a lot of firepower and they have received excellent goaltending from veteran Marc-Andre Fleury. The Penguins will look to put a strangle-hold on this series as they will face the Capitals on their home ice in the next couple of games.

WASHINGTON

The Capitals did not receive their best goaltending performance from Braden Holtby in Game 2. Holtby let in 3 goals on 17 shots before he was pulled during the 2^nd intermission.

Barry Trotz tried to spark the bench by yanking Holtby, but the move did not pay off in Game 2. Holtby will be back in between the pipes for Game 3.

While the Capitals are looking for a rebound from Holtby, they are looking for some offense from the depth lines. Andre Burakovsky, Jay Beagle, Lars Eller, and Daniel Winnik have given the Capitals 0 goals in 8 playoff games. Their numbers need to improve against a loaded Pittsburgh squad that has scoring depth on every line.

Trotz said Alzner’s playing status will be determined after warmups. Wouldn’t say if Caps will go 7D.

— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) May 1, 2017

For Game 3, there is a chance that Karl Alzner might return to the Capitals lineup. He is considered a game-time decision and is likely to take the warmup tonight. The Capitals may decide to go with 7 defensemen in Game 3 if Alzner is available to play.

ICE SHAVINGS

Niskanen: “It’s a matter of positioning by a couple of feet. …We’re giving up a few too many odd man rushes and they are capitalizing.”

— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) May 1, 2017

GAME 2 HIGHLIGHTS