In this edition of the hotstove, we discuss whether or not the Capitals still have a chance of beating the Penguins and advancing to the conference finals.
Todd Cordell
Coming back from 3-1 down is tough to do against anyone. Doing it against a team with one of the league's most dominant players (Evgeni Malkin) and a hot goaltender (Marc-Andre Fleury) is even more difficult. Having said that, I think the Caps will give the Pens a run for their money and it least make things interesting by winning a couple games.
Through four games the Capitals have out-chanced the Penguins by 57 and outshot them by 48. The difference, in short, has been goaltending. Marc-Andre Fleury has played like the annual Vezina candidate Braden Holtby is while the latter has been less than adequate in three of the four games.
If the Caps continue to control the bulk of the chances they'll put together some wins, assuming Holtby can provide even average goaltending.
James Tanner While the odds are overwhelming with the Penguins while up 3-1, the Capitals are the best team in the NHL and they, of course, have a chance to come back.
And let's be very clear: The Capitals have been the best team in this series and if not for lucky bounces and the play of Marc-Andre Fleury, would have swept the Penguins.
Four games played and four games have the Capitals been the best team.
It's honestly a little ridiculous.
Peter Tessier The Caps can still win but they need Murphy's law to stop hitting them in some way each game. They also need Holtby to steal a game, maybe two and then figure out Fleury.
Frankly, they need a lot to happen, to the Penguins and to them- so bad and good. Do you make a bet on that? I doubt it but you never know, someone will and it might pay off- but probably not.