Capitals vs Buffalo. An Eastern Division showdown
Today, the Capitals play Buffalo in the third game between the two. This is the first game of at least four without Ovechkin, and others. The Caps have won the first two meetings between the teams. After dropping two straight to Pittsburgh, lets look at what the Caps need to do to win.
The defense has been good at times and lackluster at other times. The defense needs to be more consistent for the entire game instead of up and down. This should help giving up easy goals which has been a kryptonite for the team.
The team needs to wake up. On a 5-3 power play, Washington gave up a shorthanded goal when they had a five on three. This and penalties are killing opportunities for the team to play their style of hockey.
The power play has got to be more consistent. During the game with Pitt, they seemed very nonchalant with getting the puck into the zone, and with passing that led to a short handed goal for Pitt. The team doesn’t necessarily have to score on a power play. but should at least keep pressure up for extended periods of time.
Because the team will be without Ovechkin, Kuznetsov, Samsonov, and Orlov, look for others to provide a spark offensively. This while not ideal, does give the opportunity for others to step up and be a factor in the team and in plans for the future.
The game is on NBC Sports Washington at 7:00 or you can listen on 106.7 fm.
