Fansided

Capitals vs. Penguins: Game 3 prediction

By David Austin Bumpus

Nov 12, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) and center Evgeni Malkin (71) talk prior to a face-off against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period at the PPG Paints Arena. Pittsburgh won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) and center Evgeni Malkin (71) talk prior to a face-off against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period at the PPG Paints Arena. Pittsburgh won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Penguins proved that they’re still in great shape to repeat as Stanley Cup champions, and are taking a 2-0 lead over the Capitals back home to Pittsburgh.

The Pittsburgh Penguins simply manhandled the Washington Capitals on the road on Saturday night, with a 6-2 win giving them a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

The Penguins continued their successful postseason, as they moved to 6-1 since the playoffs began, and are heading back to Pittsburgh, where they are undefeated so far in this run.

The biggest key for the Penguins in their latest conquest over the Capitals was their puck handling and passing, specifically from captain Sidney Crosby. Crosby had two key assists, including a beautiful pass to Phil Kessel in the team’s three-goal second period, to help bust open the score for Pittsburgh.

Another big piece to the puzzle was their goaltending, with Marc-Andre Fleury performing flawlessly in net. Fleury faced and saved 16 shots in the first period alone, and totaled 34 saves on 36 shots.

In the other net, Washington’s Braden Holtby, a Vezina trophy candidate, was less-than-perfect. Holtby was pulled in the third period after giving up three goals on 14 shots, and backup Philpp Grubauer didn’t perform any better with two goals allowed on nine shots.

The Capitals had the right game-plan at the start, outshooting the Penguins 19-5 before Pittsburgh broke open the scoring. Washington will need to utilize the same fast pace in order to break past Fleury in Game 3.

Next: 10 reasons Stanley Cup Playoffs are better than NBA Playoffs

Prediction: Penguins 3, Capitals 2

I think the Penguins, at this point, are just too tough for any team in any conference to stop. The Capitals seem to have the best talent and shot of any team remaining to stop the defending Stanley Cup champions, and they are getting rocked by a team that’s best defenseman, Kris Letang, is injured. I think the Penguins utilize the home-ice, continue their success, and take home a closer win in Game 3.

Home/NHL Playoffs