Washington found themselves with their backs against the wall. They trailed the Pittsburgh Penguins heading into the third period. It's a little bit of an understatement that Pittsburgh has had an ability to close out teams when leading after two periods. Prior to last night their ability to close games out has been very impressive
#Penguins were 43-1-1 when leading after 2 periods this year (regular-season + postseason combined) entering GM5. #Caps rally for 4-2 win
— Ben Raby (@BenRaby31) May 7, 2017
Tonight was first playoff game @ Washington Pens have lost when leading after 2 periods (13-1).
— Bob Grove (@bobgrove91) May 7, 2017
Also first playoff game at any site vs. Capitals Pens have lost when leading after 2 since Game 1 of 1996 series.
— Bob Grove (@bobgrove91) May 7, 2017
The first two periods the Capitals controlled the flow of play, but found themselves in a 2-1 deficit. In the third period Washington was content on trading chances in a high event third period. Through two periods the teams combined for 45 shot attempts at even-strength. In the third period both teams combined for 48 attempts. With that much rubber heading towards the net it was up to the goaltenders to hold strong. On this evening it was Holtby who got the better of Marc-Andre Fleury.
Pittsburgh has been asking a lot of Marc-Andre Fleury this postseason and he has delivered. The problem is that with how many shots they bleed every game it doesn't allow Fleury to have an off night. There is no room for error so when Fleury is at .875 the team just isn't going to win.
Last night's game wasn't unlike the others in this series. Washington controlled play and it they were finally rewarded for it.
The Capitals lineup changes paid dividends as they received a big even-strength goal from each one of their star players who were on three separate lines. Nicklas Backstrom, Evgeny Kuznetsov, and Alexander Ovechkin all found the back of the net to lead the Capitals to victory in the third period. Andre Burakovsky also found the back of the net and added an assist after being separated from his former linemates.
I like the idea of the Capitals spreading the wealth on their forward lines and I think it is something the Penguins should consider for Game 6. I would consider the following
Sheary-Crosby-Guentzel Kunitz-Malkin-Hornqvist Hagelin-Bonino-Kessel Wilson-Cullen-Rust
If Kunitz isn't cutting it you can move Rust up.
There was some concern about Sidney Crosby returning from a concussion so soon, but medically speaking it was probably OK
2015 study in kids 11-22 looked at strict rest for 5 days vs 1-2 days of rest + return to normal activities --> no difference btwn groups https://t.co/UqE4KnR5uy
— Prashanth Iyer (@iyer_prashanth) May 7, 2017
Sid finished with one assist in Game 5.
Washington isn't going to go away quietly. Pittsburgh will either need to figure out a way to find an advantage on the possession front or hope that Fleury continues to play his best hockey in decade.
In other news it appears the Penguins will be finally losing Jason Botterill. It is likely that his hiring by the Buffalo Sabres will be announced after the second round series is over.
On CBC, @RealKyper says Jason Botterill is the #Sabres likely choice as GM. @FriedgeHNIC follows saying Rick Tocchet in running for coach.
— Joe Yerdon (@JoeYerdon) May 7, 2017
That's a big loss to the organization and something that should have been avoided. More on that in the offseason.
Thanks for reading!