\

Braden Holtby has been the story for the Washington Capitals, outdueling Henrik Lundqvist throughout the series –a difficult task– and stealing Game Three for Washington. The New York Rangers now need a win to avoid getting into a 3-1 hole. They came back from 3-1 once last year, but these Caps are different from last year’s Pens.

Kevin did a nice run down of how the Caps play today, Justin broke down how to beat Braden Holtby, Chris did a full preview of the series, and I wrote about why shadowing Ovechkin isn’t the right move. If you haven’t checked those out, you should. They are good reads while waiting for the game to begin.

Caps Systems

Under Barry Trotz the Caps run a 1-1-3 lock or a 1-2-2 forecheck, which they use aggressively or conservatively depending on the game situation (e.g., puck location, the score, etc.). In the defensive zone, Trotz runs your standard zone defense. On special teams, the Caps employ a 1-3-1 power play, and a diamond/box hybrid penalty kill depending on puck location and opposition setup.

Caps Lines

Alex Ovechkin-Nicklas Backstrom-Joel Ward
Marcus Johansson-Alex Kuznetsov-Jason Chimera
Andre Burakovsky-Jay Beagle-Troy Brouwer
Curtis Glencross-Brooks Laich-Tom Wilson

Brooks Orpik-John Carlson
Karl Alzner-Matt Niskanen
Tim Gleason-Mike Green

PP1: Ovechkin-Backstrom-Brouwer-Johansson-Carlson
PP2: Ovechkin-Kuznetsov-Ward-Glencross-Carlson

PK: Laich, Brouwer, Fehr, Ward, Backstrom, Orpik, Carlson, Niskanen, Alzner

Braden Holtby gets the start.

Rangers Lines

Rick Nash–Derick Brassard–Martin St. Louis
Chris Kreider–Derek Stepan–Jesper Fast
Carl Hagelin–Dominic Moore–Kevin Hayes
Tanner Glass–J.T. Miller–James Sheppard

Ryan McDonagh–Dan Girardi
Marc Staal–Kevin Klein
Keith Yandle–Dan Boyle

PP1: Kreider-Stepan-St. Louis-Brassard-Boyle
PP2: Nash-Hayes-Miller-McDonagh-Yandle

PK: Stepan, Nash, Girardi, Staal, Moore, Fast, Hunwick, Boyle, Hagelin, Yandle, McDonagh

Henrik Lundqvist is in net.

Scratches/Injuries: Mats Zuccarello (upper body)

Crazy Prediction: The Rangers score more than two goals.

Be sure to check out our ticket link if you’re looking for tickets to the game. Game time is 7:30pm on NBCSN.

Share: 

More About: