The stage is set for a Game 7 matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals. On Wednesday evening, it will arguably be the biggest night in DC sports history in years. Puck drop is at 7:30 PM ET on NBCSN.
After blasting the Pittsburgh Penguins with a 5-2 victory in Pittsburgh on Monday night, the Capitals have crawled their way back to tie the series. The Capitals seem to have all the momentum heading in to Game 7.
Normally, I would preview both teams and feature the players to watch. But first, I am going to give the Capitals a motivational tool. The Capitals have the chance to rewrite history, so they are first going to receive some motivational videos to watch before Game 7. Here are some of the best motivational speeches they can listen to before they enter the biggest game of their careers:
SYLVESTER STALLONE – ROCKY BALBOA
AL PACINO – ANY GIVEN SUNDAY
KURT RUSSELL – MIRACLE
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
The Penguins were held to just 18 shots in Game 6. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin had a combined 3 shots on goal in the game. The “HBK” line was reunited before Game 6, but they received a dose of “Sweet Chin Music” and were held without a single point in Game 6. For Game 7, it looks like the Penguins will juggle their line combinations:
#Pens lines:
Guentzel–Crosby–Rust
Kunitz–Malkin–Kessel
Sheary–Bonino–Hornqvist
Hagelin–Cullen–Rowney— Wes Crosby (@OtherNHLCrosby) May 9, 2017
While the Penguins did not generate many shots, they were 52% effective in the faceoff dot and they completely dominated the Capitals after the first 20 minutes in that area. The Penguins lost defenseman Trevor Daley after Game 5, and it looks like he will remain on the shelf for Game 7. He did not practice with the Penguins on Tuesday.
During Game 6, Sidney Crosby took a rough tumble into the boards. He was slow to get up from the crash into the boards and he was evaluated in the first period by team doctors. Some believe that the NHL concussion spotters should have pulled him from the game, but he appears to be good to go for Game 7.
WASHINGTON CAPITALS
The Capitals went into Pittsburgh and did the unthinkable. They played a complete game and they dominated the Penguins from start to finish. The Capitals rewrote the script from last year’s Game 6, and now will have the ultimate chance at redemption in Game 7.
Since being moved to the top line, Andre Burakovsky has scored 3 goals. His confidence has grown in the last 2 contests and he made a sweet hockey play for his first goal on Monday night.
The Capitals will need to play the best game of their career on Wednesday night. If the Capitals want to continue to pound the Penguins into submission, they should try and score first in Game 7. The Capitals will need to play a smart Game 7, but they do not need to let their emotions get the best of them in key situations. If they can score early and often, the Verizon Center crowd will give them energy to compete for the entire 60 minutes.
If the Capitals are looking for a Game 7 hero, look no further than the man who wears #14 for them: Justin Williams.
The stage is set for one of the biggest nights in Capitals franchise history. If they can defeat the Penguins in come-from-behind fashion, it will be simply glorious:
GAME 6 HIGHLIGHTS
SHAVINGS
Trotz on Backstrom: “You talk about a player who has fire, he has that quiet fire. He doesn’t get enough credit for how competitive he is.”
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) May 9, 2017
First time #Caps have scored 3 goals in 3rd period of consecutive playoff games since 1991 Patrick Division final at Pittsburgh.. #CapsPens
— Rob Carlin (@RobCarlinCSN) May 9, 2017
Nicklas Backstrom (1G, 1A) had 3rd multi-point game of series, 5th of playoffs.. Passed Dale Hunter (25) for 3rd on #Caps playoff goals list
— Rob Carlin (@RobCarlinCSN) May 9, 2017
By: George Foussekis