After winning game 5, the Washington Capitals will attempt to force a Game 7 against the Pittsburgh Penguins with a second straight win in Game 6.
The Washington Capitals forced a game 6 after defeating Pittsburgh 4-2 at Verizon Center in game 5. Despite Pittsburgh getting captain Sidney Crosby back, the Penguins were unable to eliminate their division rival in Washington. If the Capitals win game 6, the script will flip and it will be Pittsburgh that will be feeling the pressure of a potential playoff collapse.
Braden Holtby has been somewhat disappointing in net for the Capitals. The former Vezina Trophy winner has been outplayed in the series by Pittsburgh`s Marc-Andre Fleury. Washington needs Holtby to raise his level of play in game 6 to win.
Evgeni Malkin has been fantastic in the playoffs but is being overshadowed by Crosby. Malkin is the playoff`s leading scorer with 17 points in 10 games. If the Capitals are going to force game 7, they need to shut down both the Crosby and Malkin lines. Outside of Pittsburgh`s top two lines, they do not have a lot of secondary scoring options in their bottom six.
After scoring three goals in the opening series against Toronto, Tom Wilson has not picked up a point against Pittsburgh. For Washington to take game 6, they need someone in their bottom six forwards to produce offensively. In game 5, Andre Burakovsky had a two point game that helped Washington win game 5.
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The top two lines have been great for Washington in the playoffs. Niklas Backstrom is known for setting up goals but he is leading the Capitals in playoff goals. Expect Backstrom to have another big game in Pittsburgh. Special teams will likely play a part in game 6. If Washington continues to take undisciplined offensive zone penalties they will lose. However, the Capitals power-play could be the difference if they get the man advantage.
Prediction: Washington 4 Pittsburgh 2