That 0-2 hole feels like so long ago.
The Washington Capitals have surged back after losing the first two games of their first-round Stanley Cup Playoff series against the Columbus Blue Jackets, taking three straight games and moving into position to clinch the series.
A Game 6 win Monday would mean the Capitals have won a playoff series for the fourth straight season. It also would ensure the Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins would face off in the semifinals for the third year running, because the Penguins won their series against the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday.
But if the Blue Jackets pull out the win at home, Capital One Arena will be the site of a Game 7 Wednesday night. Washington-Columbus is already shaping up to be the most competitive matchup of the first round — six other series have already concluded, with Boston-Toronto the only other ongoing series.
Here’s what you need to know for Game 6:
Opponent: Columbus Blue Jackets (Capitals lead series, 3-2)
Location: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio
Date and Time: Monday, April 23, 7:30 p.m.
TV Channel: NBC Sports Washington; CNBC
Radio: 99.1 FM
Pregame Reading:
Capitals’ penalty kill turned around along with their results vs. Columbus, by Adam Zielonka
Jake Guentzel scores 4 goals to lead Penguins to Game 6 clinch over Flyers, via Associated Press
Backstrom’s game-winner puts Capitals one win away, by Adam Zielonka
Nicklas Backstrom’s leadership comes through again in the playoffs, by Matthew Paras
What to watch for: The Capitals have not allowed a power-play goal in their three straight wins. … Columbus second-line center Alexander Wennberg returned to the lineup in Game 5 and recorded an assist. He scored the Blue Jackets’ first goal in Game 1 before leaving with an injury. … Columbus goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky’s career save percentage of .920 dips to .894 in the playoffs, but in 2018 he leads all playoff goalies with 177 saves.
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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