To avoid falling into a 2-0 hole, the Washington Capitals must rebound Sunday night in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Players are not panicked about losing Game 1 Thursday, but the series shifts to Columbus for two games after Game 2. Here is what you need to know about where to find the game and what to watch for.
Opponent: Columbus Blue Jackets (Capitals trail series 1-0)
Location: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
Date and Time: Sunday, April 15, 7:30 p.m.
TV Channel: NBC Sports Network; NBC Sports Washington
Radio: FAN 106.7
Pregame Reading:
After Capitals feel his absence in Game 1, Beagle nearing return, by Matthew Paras
Grubauer to remain Washington Capitals’ starting goaltender Game 2 vs. Columbus, by Adam Zielonka
Worst Game 1 loss since the last worst Game 1 loss, by Thom Loverro
Artemi Panarin scores OT game-winner for Blue Jackets in Game 1 over Capitals, by Adam Zielonka
’Shot ourselves in the foot:’ penalties prove costly for Capitals, by Matthew Paras
What to watch for: Jay Beagle will play after missing Game 1 (and four regular-season games before that) with an upper-body injury. The Blue Jackets won 55 percent of faceoffs in Game 1 without having to go up against Beagle, who owned a 58.5 percent faceoff rate this year … The Blue Jackets’ second line of Boone Jenner, Alexander Wennberg and Thomas Vanek is responsible for 18 goals, 23 assists and a combined +37 rating over the past 16 games dating back to the regular season, but Wennberg was injured in Game 1 and Columbus coach John Tortorella said he is still day-to-day.
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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