Let’s call a spade a spade. The Capitals are not a playoff-caliber team.
We knew this at the start of the series, but it’s become clear throughout the first three postseason games against the Rangers.
Even if the Caps were able to push 5-on-5 late in Game 3, there was nothing they could do to find a rhythm.
On Friday, Washington quadrupled New York’s dangerous scoring chances, and Igor Shesterkin was unfazed.
He has given up 5 points on 75 shots in this series, and aside from a mismanaged floater that beat the blocker side, Shesterkin is his old self, even though his other shortcomings are already present. Regardless, it becomes a troublesome problem for the other party.
The Capitals’ power play was so wasteful that they were outscored 15-15 twice and at times looked like the Rangers had a short-handed advantage.
Barclay Goodrow’s goal on a 2-on-1 break on one of Friday’s penalty kills proved that.
The Rangers’ special teams have been their strength all season, and they didn’t flinch no matter the matchup against the Caps.
Both power play units showed patient execution until the Capitals faltered at first.
When your two leading scorers are completely invisible on the ice, you know things are bleak.
Would you bet on the NHL?
Dylan Strome and Alex Ovechkin, who accounted for 26.8% of the Capitals’ total points during the regular season, have been held to just one point on 12 shots in this series.
These Rangers are ready to fly the broom for the first time since 2007.
play: Rangers -1.5 (+145, BetMGM)
