The Washington Capitals are in Las Vegas to play against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game Five of the Stanley Cup Final. The Capitals currently lead the series 3-1, which makes this game a must-win for Vegas or cup-clinching for Washington. In order to win, the Knights will look to have a stronger start and a more focused defense. The Capitals are perfect and never need to change anything.
Whether you’ve been a Capitals fan since day one, or decided to join us an hour ago, we’re glad you’re here now. Have fun, be safe, be nice to each other, and rock the damn red.
Puck drop is at 8PM on NBC (with the drama, puck drop might actually be a bit more toward the 8:15PM mark). After the game, Peter will have a recap for you.
The final regular season stats:
 |
||
|---|---|---|
| Record | 51-24-7 | 49-26-7 |
| Shot Attempt % | 51.5% | 48.3% |
| PDO | 100.4 | 101.4 |
| Power Play | 21.4% | 22.5% |
| Penalty Kill | 81.4% | 80.3% |
Projected Lines
Not a surprise at all, but there were no changes in the practice lines. Why fix what ain’t broken?
Ovechkin – Kuznetsov – Wilson
Vrana – Backstrom – Oshie
Burakovsky – Eller – Connolly
Stephenson – Beagle – DSP
Kempny – Carlson
Orlov – Niskanen
Orpik – Djoos
Holtby
That 3-1 lead
I just want to get this out there as early as I possibly can. If the Capitals do NOT do the thing tonight, it’s okay. Please don’t be sad.
The last time a team went up 3-1 in the Stanley Cup Final and closed out the series in a road Game 5 was 1990 https://t.co/KwJnbumkrz pic.twitter.com/bjqIRWnZyW
— Hockey Reference (@hockey_ref) June 7, 2018
Since the 2004 lockout, 6 teams have been up 3-1 in the Stanley Cup Final, and they went 2-4 in Game 5. All went on to win the series.
— Ted Starkey (@TedStarkey) June 5, 2018
But this is also a casual reminder that the Capitals are the team of destiny.
Washington has clinched every series this season on the road, and are 9-3 away from home this postseason. Last 2 Cup clinchers have been by the road team.
— Ted Starkey (@TedStarkey) June 6, 2018
Storylines
- How are YOU rocking the red today? Me, personally?
I’m jogging to the coffee shop to grab a toasted danish because this is my own version of a hot lap from Lars Eller. https://t.co/DfpaOWsEju
— elyse the fury (@ElyseBee) June 7, 2018
- Have you seen the Capitals’ 2018 playoff intro video yet? Grab some tissues, it’s a DOOZY.
- Panic at the Disco is performing before Game Five this evening. First team to book My Chemical Romance next is the winner.
- Braden Holtby‘s mom, Tami, teared up at the end of Game Four and she had a ton more composure than I did.
- Cara got to head to Game Four, thanks to Capital One, and her photos are incredible. She detailed the whole experience for us.
- Papa Djoos and Papa Backstrom have nothing left to teach their kids.
- John Carlson‘s journey is a good, long one.
- Rock the Red… safely! DC Mayor Bowser issued some important information for you to absorb ahead of tonight’s game.
- RMNB got featured on WUSA9!
- I know exactly what you’ve been wanting to read all post-season. Don’t worry, we have it for you: the Capitals’ playoff beard rankings.
- Don Cherry doesn’t like Evgeny Kuznetsov blah blah blah. That’s fine because I like Evgeny Kuznetsov and I don’t like Don Cherry.
- If there is a Game Six, the tickets are projected to be the most expensive tickets in NHL history. Anyway, I wish I had a million dollars and if anyone wants to Venmo me, please do.
- Over 70,000 Capitals fans logged on for Game Five viewing party tickets. To be honest, I didn’t think there were 70,000 Capitals fans so I am super jazzed.
- Lars Eller took the hot lap yesterday and we wouldn’t have it ANY OTHER WAY.
- The Metro is extending it’s hours tonight… for an away game. Yep, this is the first time in history that has happened.
- Devante Smith-Pelly has made his mind up if the Capitals win the cup and they get offered a trip to the White House.
Dressing the part
Got dress code issues against wearing a jersey to work? No problem for my pal Lindsey, who made a dress out of Caps fabric.
They said no jerseys, so I made a loophole.
Hail yourselves, hail the Washington Capitals 🤘🏻♥ pic.twitter.com/FP1sybt5De— LINDSEY 🏒👹 (@wreckoslovakia) June 7, 2018
She’s gettin’ featured on Canadian news too! Such a rockstar.
So this just completely made my day #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/ickRcR47GF
— LINDSEY 🏒👹 (@wreckoslovakia) June 7, 2018
Headline photo: NHL.com
