3 takeaways from the Capitals bottling up the Lightning in Game 2

The Capitals top line is unstoppable

Alex Ovechkin gets the headlines. Rightfully so. He’s one of the greatest goalscorers in NHL history. But it’s been the play of Evgeny Kuznetsov that’s taken Washington to a level above the Lightning thus far.

He has four assists and five points through the first two games.

Many thought Washington would struggle to keep up with Tampa Bay’s offense with Nicklas Backstrom out of the lineup. For years, Backstrom has been the second best player on the Capitals. Kuznetsov emerged as a secondary scorer two years ago but disappeared in the postseason. Last year, he emerged in the playoffs as Washington’s third best forward. He carried that into the regular season and has taken his game to a new level this postseason.

He’s turned into the perfect compliment for Ovechkin. Kuznetsov provides the playmaking, Ovechkin provides the scoring.

Then you throw in Tom Wilson, who is the sandpaper guy who allows the other two more freedom in the offensive zone.

Tampa Bay got the matchup they wanted at home. They were able to get Brayden Point and his linemates out there against Ovechkin’s line. Point’s line was able to contain Taylor Hall in the first round and the duo of Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand in the second round.

They’ve had no answer for Ovechkin’s line through the first two games.

The success of Ovechkin’s line should not overshadow just how balanced Washington has been in this series. Lars Eller, who replaced Backstrom on the second line, and his linemates have outplayed the top guys on Tampa Bay.

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The Washington defense has outplayed Tampa Bay’s defense. Holtby has outplayed Vasilevskiy.

Games 1 and 2 were 100 percent team wins by the Capitals. But it’s all started with their best player and their top line.