"I actually really liked the majority of five-on-five play for the Capitals, especially considering this was their second game in as many days against a rested Penguins team. The first period was obviously their worst, but they controlled play from early on in the second until the end of the game. The five-on-five expected goals ended 2.55-2.03 in favor of the Capitals. Elephant in the room time: the power play and penalty kill are straight up terrible. There's no sugarcoating, no "bad luck," none of that."
"After going 0-for-3 on the power play, the Capitals sit 26th in the league, converting on just 15.2 percent of their chances. After allowing the Penguins to go 3-for-5 on their power play, the Capitals' penalty kill is now 24th best in the league, killing off just 72.7 percent of opposing chances. Both units need to change. Let's take a different look at how that's affecting the team's record."
The Washington Capitals rallied from a 3-0 deficit to tie the game but ultimately lost 5-3 to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Five-on-five play favored the Capitals, who posted a 2.55 to 2.03 expected-goals edge and controlled play after a poor first period. Special teams were the decisive weakness: the power play went 0-for-3 (15.2 percent, 26th in the league) and the penalty kill surrendered a 3-for-5 night (72.7 percent, 24th). The Capitals own 57.6 percent of five-on-five expected goals this season but hold a 7-6-1 record. Goaltender Charlie Lindgren also struggled, making 26 saves.
Read at RMNB
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]