Since the 1920s, NHL teams that go up 2-0 in a Stanley Cup Playoffs series go on to win the series 88 percent of the time. The Washington Capitals are trying to be part of the 12 percent to defy expectations and come back.
After dropping two straight home games in overtime, the Capitals are in Ohio to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets in a Game 3 that can fairly be described as “do or die.” Here’s what you need to know before the puck drops Tuesday night.
Opponent: Columbus Blue Jackets (Capitals trail series 2-0)
Location: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio
Date and Time: Tuesday, April 17, 7:30 p.m.
TV Channel: NBC Sports Network; NBC Sports Washington
Radio: 99.1 FM
Pregame Reading:
3 things the Capitals must fix to right the ship at Columbus, by Adam Zielonka
Watch Brett Connolly make sure young girl at Capitals game gets a puck, by Adam Zielonka
Capitals’ Andre Burakovsky to miss at least the next two games, by Matthew Paras
Capitals lose in overtime again, trail Blue Jackets 2-0 in series, by Adam Zielonka
Grubauer’s benching creates question for who will start Game 3, by Matthew Paras
What to watch for: Without Burakovsky in the lineup, the Capitals will put forward Jakub Vrana back in the lineup. After creating the primary assist on Washington’s only even-strength goal in Game 1, Vrana was a healthy scratch for Game 2.
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