Capitals inch closer to first Stanley Cup in franchise history

The Washington Capitals inch closer to their first Stanley Cup in franchise history with a decisive Game 4 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights.

After splitting the first two games in Vegas, the Capitals and Golden Knights flew to D.C. for Games 3 and 4. The Capitals returned home to claim Game 3 over the Golden Knights. Saturday’s 3-1 victory gave the Washington Capitals a 2-1 series lead.

The Capital One Arena in D.C. was deafening as the ref dropped the puck for a crucial Game 4. The Capitals faithful wasn’t loud for long. The Vegas Golden Knights took control of the game in the early stages. Alex Tuch threw the puck towards Braden Holtby, but the puck glanced off of the post.

The relentless pressure by the Golden Knights resulted in a power play opportunity. John Carlson was forced to trip Erik Haula to prevent another Vegas scoring chance. During the man advantage, Erik Haula found James Neal, who had a wide open net, but found the post instead.

Vegas halted its own momentum when Colin Miller tripped Lars Eller at center ice. The Capitals quickly went to work on their first power play chance. T.J. Oshie made the Golden Knights pay by depositing the puck into Vegas net. Evgeny Kuznetsov’ high shot directed off of Marc-Andre Fleury to a charging T.J. Oshie, who gave Washington an early 1-0 lead.

Washington began to take control of the opening period. After Vegas iced the puck and a Deryk Engelland turnover, the Capitals added to their lead. Tom Wilson dropped the puck to Evgeny Kuznetsov and circled towards the slot. Kuznetsov was able to locate No. 43, who ripped the puck past Fleury to give the Capitals a 2-0 lead.

When it rained, it poured for the Vegas Golden Knights in the first period. After hitting the post twice, their bad luck continued in the final minute of the opening frame. Matt Niskanen’s shot was altered by Jonathan Marchessault, but the puck found its way to Devante Smith-Pelly’s skate. He neatly kicked the puck up to his stick and roofed it over the sliding Vegas goaltender. Smith-Pelly’s goal allowed the home team to head into the first intermission with an impressive 3-0 lead.

John Carlson’s second tripping violation gave the Vegas Golden Knights to get back into the game. The Capitals were able to keep the Golden Knights at bay. As Carlson’s tripping minor expired, Colin Miller blasted the puck, but Holtby made a excellent glove save to prevent any damage.

Facing a three goal deficit, the Golden Knights carried playing during the middle frame. However, they were unable to capitalize on multiple man advantages. Vegas’ shortcomings would allow the Capitals to add to their lead.

The one-time 40 goal scorer, James Neal headed to the penalty box for slashing. This opened the door for John Carlson to atone for taking two penalties. Kuznetsov picked up his third primary assist of the night by setting up Carlson for a one timer. Carlson’s exit velocity didn’t give Marc-Andre Fleury a chance to make a save.

Like John Carlson, James Neal was able to make up for his previous sins. Earlier in the game, Neal hit the post and was in the penalty box when the Capitals made it 4-0. James Neal was able to bury a pass from Erik Haula. Neal cut Washington’s lead to 4-1 by elevating the puck past the mask of Braden Holtby.

The Vegas Golden Knights refused to go away in Game 4. Brett Connolly was unable to clear the zone for the Capitals. Jonathan Marchessault realized Reilly Smith was near the Washington net. He passed it to Smith, who backhanded the puck underneath the glove of Holtby to make it 4-2.

The Golden Knights’ thoughts of a historic comeback quickly evaporated. During a 4 on 4, T.J. Oshie dropped the puck to Nicklas Backstrom. The Washington center passed it over to Michal Kempny, who scored the Capitals’ 5th goal of Game 4. It didn’t end there. Washington found themselves with a 2 man advantage. Kuznetsov’s shot ricocheted to Brett Connolly to dangled to the slot and ripped it past the Vegas goaltender to cap off a 6-2 Capitals’ victory.

With a deflating 6-2 loss, the Vegas Golden Knights, who are in their inaugural season, will face elimination for the first time in the 2018 playoffs. The Washington Capitals will have a chance to hoist their first Stanley Cup in franchise history in Las Vegas on Thursday night.

Three Stars

1. Evgeny Kuznetsov: He may have not scored any goals, but he was the primary reason for four of the Capitals’ pucks in the net. His vision was the reason the Capitals are one win away from their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. Kutznetsov eliminated the Penguins in the second round, and his play in Game 4 has pushed the Vegas Golden Knights to the brink of elimination.

2. Braden Holtby: The Washington goaltender wasn’t perfect, but he stopped 28 of 30 shots. Holtby was able to weather the Vegas onslaught in the first period and give his team a chance to take control of Game 4.

3. John Carlson: The Washington blueliner struggled during the early stages of Game 4. He was bailed out twice by his teammates, while serving two tripping penalties. Carlson erased everyone’s memory with an absolute rocket past Fleury. The Capitals’ fourth goal essentially buried Vegas in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Highlights

https://twitter.com/NHLGIFs/status/1003815367318360065

Next Game

The Stanley Cup Final shifts back to Vegas for Game 5. The puck will drop on Thursday night from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Washington leads the series 3-1. If the Washington Capitals win Game 5, they will capture their first Stanley Cup in franchise history.

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