Capitals vs. Golden Knights: Game 3 prediction

LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 28: Tomas Nosek #92 of the Vegas Golden Knights and goaltender Braden Holtby #70 of the Washington Capitals during the third period of Game One of the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena on May 28, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 28: Tomas Nosek #92 of the Vegas Golden Knights and goaltender Braden Holtby #70 of the Washington Capitals during the third period of Game One of the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena on May 28, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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The Washington Capitals take on the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup finals in an an important game for both teams.

It has been a fun series so far between the Washington Capitals and Vegas Golden Knights. One one side, it’s an improbable feat for the first-year Golden Knights. The Capitals, meanwhile, have waited 20 years for this moment.

The series is currently tied 1-1, making Game 3 crucial in awarding one team the series lead. The Capitals are looking to take advantage of their home ice advantage in Game 3, but they are 4-5 at home in the playoffs. For Vegas it’s a different story; the Golden Knights are road warriors. They have seen plenty of success and dominance on the road.

Both teams are going to have play to their strengths and keep a tight game plan. Scoring first will be important to help create some momentum. It could be a high-scoring game considering the offenses on these teams. The Golden Knights average at least three goals a game.

The injury to Evgeny Kuznetsov could be a game-changer for the Capitals. He has 11 goals, 14 assist in 20 playoff games. They will have to find ways to replace that production and the Golden Knights will need to take advantage of that loss. Neither team has any experience in the Stanley Cup finals. It will come down to who takes advantage of any miscues and penalties. Needless to say, staying out of the penalty box will be important in this game .

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This is a big game in the series. It could help shift the momentum one way or another. But it seems on paper the Golden Knights may have the advantage over the Capitals. Even so, the Capitals should not be taken lightly.

Game 3 prediction: The Golden Knights defeat the Capitals 4-3.

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