Washington Capitals forward Brett Connolly succinctly summarized the importance of a great start to Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Vegas Golden Knights.

"In the playoffs, we've gotten down in games, we've played like s--- some nights," Connolly told Mike Hume of The Washington Post prior to Wednesday's contest.

The Capitals actually took a 4-3 lead early in the third period of Game 1, but the Golden Knights responded with three consecutive goals to win 6-4.

Connolly scored the opener for the Capitals in Game 1, and will be looked upon to continue providing secondary contributions. Time will only tell if his candid assessment serves as a rallying point.

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