Capitals vs. Hurricanes Game 7 Preview

by Wesley Hunt · April 24, 2019

Here we go again! The Washington Capitals once again find themselves in a decisive Game 7 scenario. The Carolina Hurricanes battled back in Game 6, but the Capitals are in clincher mode right now. A victory at home would seal the series. The Caps lead the playoffs at home in shooting percentage and power play. This could be enough to knock out the Canes once and for all.

The first-round against the Canes has been a slugfest from start to finish. While the Caps took the first two at home, Carolina has been unforgiving on their home ice. With many injuries and a questionable call against Ovechkin’s late goal in Game 6, momentum has shifted from the Capitals. Still, they fight on and are ready to go the distance. It would not be so easy to eliminate the defending Stanley Cup champions after all. Alex Ovechkin and Braden Holtby have been playing their best hockey in ages. However, most of their secondary has not been scoring. Evegeny Kuznetsov in particular needs to step up his game. Perhaps tonight’s home stand would offer a chance for him to shine.

Fortunately for the Caps, the home team has won every game this series. The Capitals have now played 128 playoff games since Ovechkin first made the playoffs in 2008, tied with the Blackhawks for second most in this time span. The team knows Game 7 well, and are prepared to continue the fight as they return to familiar territory. Only time will tell how this team can come through and play on in the next round.