The Washington Capitals faced some pressure in the opening round against the Philadelphia Flyers when they dropped two games after building a 3-0 series lead and had to play Game 6 on the road.
But that was nothing like the pressure the Presidents' Trophy winners will feel prior to Game 4 of their second-round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the only game on the NHL's Wednesday night playoff schedule.
First, the Penguins are a much better team than the Flyers, as they have been surging since the final weeks of the regular season, and their excellent play has continued into the playoffs. They may be as tough an opponent as the Caps will see this spring in their pursuit of the Stanley Cup.
Second, the Capitals trail in the series by a 2-1 margin. If they lose Game 4 in Pittsburgh, they will find themselves staring at a 3-1 deficit and will be on the brink of elimination.
That must be an uncomfortable feeling for head coach Barry Trotz.
The Capitals played as well in Game 3 as they have at any point in the series. They dominated in terms of puck possession and outshot the Penguins 49-23. ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Steve Silverman
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