The Washington Capitals are 60 minutes or more from having their Stanley Cup dreams shattered again. But being on the brink is a good thing for two of the club's best players.
The Caps will play their second straight elimination game Monday night against Pittsburgh. The Penguins are up 3-2, and are looking to end Washington's season in six games in the second round for the second consecutive spring.
Barry Trotz, though, can rest assured goalie Braden Holtby and captain Alex Ovechkin will show up. They have a history of doing so.
False narratives
By now, you know the "Ovechkin doesn't show up in big playoff games" narrative is garbage. In 19 career elimination games, Ovie has 10 goals and 10 assists. He'll leave his mark on Game 6.
Meanwhile, a dive into Holtby's playoff career suggests he's going to be in top form, as well, despite a subpar postseason so far, by his standards. Among goalies who have played at least five playoff games in 2017, his .909 save percentage is tied for 12th in the league - a far cry from his career .932 save percentage in the postseason.
Throughout his career, though, Holtby's risen to the challenge when his team faces elimination:
| Year | Game # | Opponent | Round | SV% | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Game 5 | Penguins | 2nd | .909 | W |
| 2016 | Game 6 | Penguins | 2nd | .905 | L-OT |
| 2016 | Game 5 | Penguins | 2nd | .968 | W |
| 2015 | Game 7 | Rangers | 2nd | .949 | L-OT |
| 2015 | Game 7 | Islanders | 1st | .909 | W |
| 2013 | Game 7 | Rangers | 1st | .815 | L |
| 2012 | Game 7 | Rangers | 2nd | .935 | L |
| 2012 | Game 6 | Rangers | 2nd | .972 | W |
| 2012 | Game 7 | Bruins | 1st | .969 | W |
He has a .930 save percentage (252 saves on 271 shots) in nine career elimination playoff games, and is 5-4, with two overtime losses.
It's clear that with their backs against the wall, Holtby and Ovechkin rise to the occasion. But they need help in order to ensure a Game 7.
Supporting cast
Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, and Evgeny Kuznetsov are each averaging a point per game through five games against the Penguins. They're not the problem.
T.J. Oshie, Justin Williams, and Marcus Johansson each have three assists in the second round, but none of the three have beaten Marc-Andre Fleury. That has to change starting Monday night.
Losing three of the first four to the defending champs has left the Capitals with an almost-impossible challenge. One down, two to go. While it's certainly possible Holtby and Ovechkin can force a Game 7 on their own, the Capitals' depth must make its mark at some point this week, or it'll be deja vu.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)
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