Pittsburgh Penguins
Game Six of this series between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals is crucial if the Penguins want to keep their lead; currently, the series is at 3-2.
There is a possibility defenseman Olli Maatta will return to the lineup tonight after being out with an injury, which will add some much-needed padding to the Penguins’ defense — as long as Maatta continues to play as he has all season. The Capitals have been doing a good job of getting around the Penguins’ defense with forced turnovers, leaving most of the work to goaltender Matt Murray, so returning to the original line should be helpful for the Penguins.
On the other hand, power plays have become good opportunities for the Penguins, where most of their goals in this round have been scored. At the same time, the Penguins’ speed has helped them push past the Capitals on both power plays and regular play.
It was announced Monday that Murray will once again be in net for Game Six.
Washington Capitals
Tonight, Capitals defenseman Brooks Orpik has the possibility to return after a three-game suspension for his hit on Maatta. Washington would certainly like to have their main defenseman back on the ice, which will allow the Capitals to be the team that allowed them to win the first game of the series.
As for on offense, Alex Ovechkin has pushing back against the Penguins with early hits that allows the Capitals to take the puck to the Penguins’ net.
Goaltender Braden Holtby, a finalist for the Vezina Trophy (awarded to the NHL’s best goalkeeper), has been better defensively as he’s become more familiar with the Penguins and where they shoot on him. That being said, the Capitals have also learned where to shoot up high on Murray, which seems to be his weak spot.
Prediction
If Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby can step up and act like the decent players they actually are, the Penguins have a good shot at winning tonight’s game — and this round.
It’s almost guaranteed that tonight’s game will be close, with both teams pushing to finish this round on top.
Where: Consol Energy Center, Pittsburgh, PA
When: Tuesday, May 10 @ 8:00 PM.
Where: CBC, NBCSN, TVAS
Image credit: Claus Andersen/Getty Images
