Penguins vs. Capitals Game 3: Full highlights, final score and more

On Tuesday night, the Washington Capitals came away with a 2-1 series lead over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Here are the full highlights and more.

The Washington Capitals are doing this thing. While they came into their series against the Pittsburgh Penguins with questions surrounding them, namely whether they could finally advance beyond Round 2, those questions could be on the verge of destruction. Still, they need two more wins before the monkey is kicked off the ice.

Tonight was a good start. It didn’t seem that it would turn out that way, though — at least going into the third period.

After the Capitals took a 1-0 lead on a power play goal by John Carlson, the Penguins took over in the second. Jake Guentzel tied it up 16 minutes in, and goals by Patric Hornqvist and Sidney Crosby gave Pittsburgh a 3-2 going into the final frame. But it wouldn’t be enough.

The Capitals have shown a strong sense of resiliency not only through these playoffs, but throughout the regular season. When defenseman Matt Niskanen tied it at three five minutes in, we seemed destined for overtime. Then Alex Ovechkin happened.

It’s not enough, really, to state that he simply won the game with just over a minute left. He has to be as sick of the questions as anyone. It’s not only showing right now, but he’s putting this team on his back against the right club. Washington has been eliminated in each of the last two postseasons by Pittsburgh. He doesn’t care to see that happen a third time.

Highlights

Three Stars

1. Alex Ovechkin, as stated, is stepping up at the perfect time. He had a great series against the Columbus Blue Jackets, but this one against the Pens is prove it territory. With an assist and the game-winner to give the Caps a 2-1 lead, we could be seeing more Ovechkin brilliance beyond Round 2.

2. Nicklas Backstrom, through two games, was quiet. Too quiet, if the Capitals have plans on moving forward. He wasn’t tonight and it’s a huge reason they won this game. Backstrom has three assists, including one on the Ovechkin goal, to finally make a strong appearance when his team needed it. He scored 71 points in the regular season, and it’s a performance they need to see him repeat to finish off the Penguins. Too often Ovechkin takes the heat. He needs this help.

3. Jake Guentzel. Right now, Guentzel may be leading the Conn Smythe voting. With 19 points to lead everyone so far in these playoffs, that’s certainly the case should the Pens find a way to advance. With another goal and an assist tonight, the kid is on fire. Crosby who? Just kidding.

Game 4: Thursday, May 3, 7:00 p.m. ET in Pittsburgh

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