Golden Knights vs. Capitals: Game 5 Prediction

LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 30: A shot by Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals hits the blocker of Marc-Andre Fleury #29 of the Vegas Golden Knights before going into the net for a goal in the second period of Game Two of the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena on May 30, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Capitals defeated the Golden Knights 3-2. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

The Capitals are a win away from the first Stanley Cup in franchise history, but can they end the series with a fourth straight win or will Vegas live to fight another day?

It’s been an incredible and memorable Stanley Cup Final series through four games, and now the Capitals can close it out in Game 5 on the road. If they can get the win it would secure their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. The Capitals took firm control of the series after taking both games on home ice, but Vegas can claw their way back with a win on home ice.

The Capitals are one win away from their first Stanley Cup for a multitude of reasons, primarily because everybody is doing their jobs to perfection. Alex Ovechkin has led the team on and off the ice, they’ve rallied around him and bonded as a group. The stars are producing, the depth is coming through, the defense has been stout, and Holtby has been magnificent. Washington has overcome a multitude of adversity to get to this point after trailing in every series they’ve played so far in this postseason, and now they’re just one win away from history.

Vegas has gotten away from their game, and they need everybody to re-find it if they want this dream to stay alive. Marc-Andre Fluery has regressed at the worst possible time after bailing the Golden Knights out multiple times in the first three rounds. He now has a measly .845 save percentage in the Finals. It’s not fair to blame just him, nearly everybody has dried up after Game 1. William Karlsson has been silent, along with Marchessault, and almost everybody not named Rielly Smith or Thomas Nosek. If they can turn it around and get back to being to Golden Knights we remember, they might have a chance, but the damage may already be done.

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Vegas will be motivated for Game 5 with their season on the line, but the Capitals are just as motivated with the Stanley Cup right there in sight. Game 5 will be about momentum, who dictates the game, and a little bit of who gets luckier. Based on the series so far that has been the Capitals. Vegas will push with everything they have, but these Capitals are relentless. Vegas will push with everything they have and keep the game close, but the Capitals find a way like they have all postseason long to break through late and win it all.

Game 5 Prediction: Capitals defeat Golden Knights 3-2

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