Capitals on the brink of elimination
Photo credit: Yardbarker
The Washington Capitals are offically one loss away from being eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
After being blanked 4-0 in Game 3, the Capitals suffered another defeat to the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 4 on Monday night, falling 5-2. For the second straight game, Washington opened with energy in the first period but quickly lost momentum, struggling to capitalize on their opportunities as the night went on.
The Capitals are on the brink of elimination, heading into Thursday's game against the Hurricanes.
Here's what Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery had to say on what's been the problem for his team this series.
«We're giving ourselves some opportunities. We're just not executing, making the play, whatever you want to call it, and making some mistakes, and they're capitalizing.» -Carbery
Katie Adler from RMNB writes that the Capitals' power play struggles were among the most glaring issues in the loss, particularly during a key moment late in the first period. After Shayne Gostisbehere gave Carolina an early lead just 10:24 into the game, Washington was handed a prime opportunity to respond with a double-minor high-sticking penalty to Jordan Martinook, but they failed to capitalize.
Carbery showed visible frustration when asked about the power play sequence during his postgame remarks.
«I saw what everybody else in the room saw. It was not good,» he said of the power play. «And so we made some adjustments, made some changes to personnel on it, but you can't - their penalty kill is excellent, best in the league, has been for the last (five years), but it can't look like that. It cannot look like that.» -Carbery
Through four games, Washington has converted just twice on 12 power-play opportunities against the Hurricanes. Not only did the Capitals miss their chance to tie the game during the double minor, but their ineffective power play failed to generate any real pressure, ultimately strengthening the Hurricanes' resolve even more.
Tom Wilson emphasized the missed opportunity to turn the game in their favor, calling attention to the critical moment they failed to capitalize on after the loss.
«Those moments are huge in the playoffs. You've got to find a way to score. Simple as that. It's not good enough. We've got to step up in that moment. It's a huge turning point in the game. Special teams can be a momentum builder, as everybody knows. We've just got to find a way to pull the special teams our way a little bit.» -Wilson
Adler also writes that the Capitals have been on the defensive for much of the series, but they're not ready to throw in the towel. After spending the majority of the season fighting to prove themselves, they have no intention of going down without a fight.
Game 5 is set for Thursday night at 7:00pm in Washington.
| POLL | ||
MAI 15 | 35 ANSWERS Capitals on the brink of elimination Do you think the Capitals can keep their season alive with a win on Thursday in Game 5 against the Hurricanes? | ||
| yes | 19 | 54.3 % |
| no | 16 | 45.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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