Let’s call a spade a spade: the Capitals are not a playoff-equipped team.
We knew this at the start of the series, but it has really come out in the wash throughout the first three postseason games against the Rangers.
Even when the Caps were able to make a push at five-on-five in the late stages of Game 3, there was nothing they could do to strike a rhythm.
Washington quadrupled New York’s high-danger scoring chances Friday, and Igor Shesterkin wasn’t fazed.
He’s let up five goals on 75 shots in this series, and aside from the mismanaged floater that beat him blocker side, Shesterkin has been his vintage self, which spells trouble for the opposition no matter what other drawbacks already are in play.
The Capitals power play has gone 2-for-15 against, and it’s been so futile at times that it almost looks as if the Rangers have the advantage shorthanded.
Barclay Goodrow’s goal on a two-on-one break on one of Friday’s penalty kills was a testament to that.
The Rangers’ special teams have been their forte all season, and they haven’t faltered no matter the circumstance against the Caps.
Both power-play units have shown forbearing execution until the Capitals flinch first.
You know things are bleak when your two leading scorers are completely inconspicuous on the ice.
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Dylan Strome and Alex Ovechkin, who accounted for 26.8% of the Capitals’ total goal output in the regular season, have been held to one combined point on 12 shots in this series.
These Rangers are primed to break out the brooms for the first time since 2007.
The play: Rangers -1.5 (+145, BetMGM)
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