Game Four of the Capitals-Penguins series kicks off Wednesday night in Pittsburgh and it feels like the team has been there forever (three days).
What do Sidney Crosby, Conor Sheary, Matt Murray, and Kris Letang all have in common? They are all out and will not play in Game Four due to injuries. We wish them each a speedy recovery (because I would love to beat a Pittsburgh team WITH Crosby instead of without). But let me just be blunt: this is the time for the Washington Capitals to tie the series up.
Also, can someone wrap Matt Niskanen’s face in pillows? This might be a rough game for him.
Penguins lead the series 2-1.
| Team | Record | SA% | PDO | Power Play | Penalty Kill |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Capitals | 55-19-8 | 53.2% | 102.7 | 23.1% (4th) | 83.8% (7th) |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | 50-21-11 | 50.7% | 101.6 | 23.1% (3rd) | 79.8% (20th) |
Projected Lines
Trotz could still go with 7D again. Who knows.
The good boys:
Ovechkin – Backstrom – Oshie
Johansson – Kuznetsov – Williams
Burakovsky – Eller – Wilson
Winnik – Beagle – Carey
Schmidt – Carlson
Orlov – Niskanen
Orpik – Shattenkirk
Holtby
Of course, the big news is that Sidney Crosby and Conor Sheary will be absent after they both suffered concussions. The Penguins had an optional skate this morning, so we don’t know their official lines, but Crosby, Sheary, Malkin, Kunitz, Dumoulin, Hagelin, Hainsey and Cullen were all absent from the skate.
Sullivan says it’s possible Guentzel shifts to center: “Every possibility is on the table in this type of a circumstance.”
— Sam Werner (@SWernerPG) May 3, 2017
The baddest boys:
Guentzel – BLAH – Hornqvist
Rust – Malkin– Kessel
Wilson– Bonino– BLAH
Kunitz – Cullen– Kuhnhackl
Dumoulin – Hainsey
Maatta – Daley
Cole – Schultz
Fleury
Idiot
This young person is an idiot. I do not know who they are, I do not know where they live, but I hope in time I hope he makes better decisions.
Just want everyone to know this is a thing. #StanleyCup #Penguins #Capitals pic.twitter.com/hZIAjQpdms
— Travless (@knuckle_puck87) May 3, 2017
Sizing Up the Penguins
How do the Capitals look when they’re up against the Penguins? We have some pretty nifty posts for you to check out.
Storylines
- In an extremely irresponsible and stupid comment, Chris Kunitz says that Matt Niskanen injured Crosby on purpose.
- Barry Trotz got asked a really dumb question. The “reporter” was super sarcastic and it was embarrassing.
- BEARS NEWS! BEARS NEWS! BEARS NEWS! They signed Lucas Johansen and forward Garrett Pilon to amateur tryout agreements.
- You will see Matt Niskanen back in the lineup tonight, since he will not be suspended for his hit on Crosby. Rightfully so.
- In need of some juicy deets about Game Five? You’re in luck, we have the press release just for you.
- Who does Braden Holtby credit for his bounce-back game? Spoiler alert, it’s not us.
- The team is still alive and Pat Holden has your numbers for the morning after Game Three.
- Want some positive ~feels in your life? Check out 10 great GIFS of the Caps reacting to the ending of Game Three.
- The RMNB podcast is back with a brand new episode featuring Ian and Pete. Be sure to listen before you watch tonight’s game.
- Are you actually a fan? Probably not unless you shave your head into the weagle.
- Jay Beagle and Phil Kessel are in a war and they need to settle it in Mario Kart. I’m into it, but I really miss Toronto media.
- #CROSVECHKIN is still very alive after Alex Ovechkin talked about Crosby going down.
Quick Time to Unwind
I am very “in” on The Defenders.
Not here to make friends. #DEFEND pic.twitter.com/fqmmSgFzyC
— The Defenders (@TheDefenders) May 3, 2017
Headline photo: Gregory Shamus
