The Washington Capitals had their backs against the wall heading into Monday night’s Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Tampa Bay Lightning were determined to end Washington’s season in front of their fans and had a bit of history on their side being 7-0 in D.C. all-time in the playoffs but the Caps refused to go down without a fight. Literally and figuratively, they refused to get knocked around. In front of a loud crowd, the Capitals channeled their energy by winning the physical battle which led to three unanswered goals and a 3-0 win to force Game 7.
Tom Wilson leveled Cedric Paquette, looking like his old self out there. Wilson tied for the team lead in hits on the night with six. You may remember Michal Kempny receiving a fine for cross-checking Paquette during Game 2.
Wilson just obliterated Paquette #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/1QhQcivDyJ
— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) May 22, 2018
Not exactly sure what Chris Kunitz was doing here. From the looks of things, it’s like he stabbed Wilson playfully with his stick like they do in the movies.
Kunitz and Wilson are having fun. #ALLCAPSpic.twitter.com/iF6Gbg45zW
— Cristiano Simonetta (@CMS_74_) May 22, 2018
Wilson got some payback on Kunitz later on.
KUNITZ, BYE! @tom_wilso #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/lY0cfRpeAG
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) May 22, 2018
Late in the first period, Dan Girardi shouldered Alex Ovechkin. It was an obvious interference but there was no call.
Dan Girardi BLATANTLY interferes with Ovechkin. #ALLCAPS fans should be irate. pic.twitter.com/VZIKrzGyCS
— Cristiano Simonetta (@CMS_74_) May 22, 2018
The hit promptly made Ovechkin angry and he took out that frustration in the second period with this hit on Kunitz.
Alex Ovechkin gives a jolt to Kunitz. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/dCbDrVwwnY
— Cristiano Simonetta (@CMS_74_) May 22, 2018
He wasn’t done.
Alex Ovechkin is a freight train. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/psFrauqRzc
— Cristiano Simonetta (@CMS_74_) May 22, 2018
Ovechkin laid out a total of four hits throughout the game.
Alex Ovechkin’s hit parade. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/MC73tX85ct
— Cristiano Simonetta (@CMS_74_) May 22, 2018
Brooks Orpik also got in on the fun. He tied with Wilson for the team lead in hits on the night with six.
Bodies are flying in Game 6. #ALLCAPS#GoBoltspic.twitter.com/TQ3ImM0Yz8
— Cristiano Simonetta (@CMS_74_) May 22, 2018
Orpik would also level Paquette.
Let’s take a look back at some hits from last night, shall we?
For starters… ORPIK, SMASH! #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/1zteqWs7h0
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) May 22, 2018
Devante Smith-Pelly stuck up for the captain with a retaliation hit on Girardi. Smith-Pelly had five hits in the game. Hopefully he issued an apology to Jay Beagle after this one.
Smith-Pelly just laid out Girardi. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/z1GNOzMNG0
— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) May 22, 2018
All the physicality shown by the Capitals seemed to get in the Lightning players’ heads. Steven Stamkos and J.T. Miller even collided with each other.
Stamkos and Miller collide. Watch Miller’s head…yikes. #GoBolts pic.twitter.com/NLCPA3C3RI
— Cristiano Simonetta (@CMS_74_) May 22, 2018
In all, the Capitals outhit the Lightning by a whooping 39-19. If the Caps play with that same passion and that same physicality in Game 7, don’t be surprised to see them come out on top.
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
Love this article!
When we play this kinda game we win Last year we played our nemesis the pens and played them hard and beat them 6-0. Question is if we know how to play to win why don’t we do it with really important games???
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Washington Capitals please win Braden holtby stop
Tampa Bay Lightning from score
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