Keys To Game Two Of The Stanley Cup Finals
The second game of the Stanley Cup Finals is slated for tonight in Vegas and they are out to a 1-0 series lead after a game one win 6-4. The Caps look to even the series while Vegas looks to stay dominant at home Here’s my keys to the game for each team.
Vegas Golden Knights
Marc-Andre Fleury
Coming into Monday night’s game Fleury had been unbelievably hot and he was shutting everybody down. Monday night was different as he allowed four goals for the first time these playoffs. Maybe Fleury’s hot streak is over and boy would this be a bad time for it to end. Although he allowed four goals he still got the win. Expect Fleury to have a bounce back game as this type of game has been an outlier in these playoffs.
Top D-Pair Keep Rolling
The Knights top pair of Schmidt and McNabb was able to hold the Caps top line in check and only allowed two of Ovechkin’s shot attempts to reach goal. If this top D-pair can match the offensive onslaught the top line of the Caps’ will put out there is no doubt Vegas can take this game.
Top Line on Fire
The Knights top line has been dynamite all season and this series is no exception. The Top line provides so much offense and creates a ton of turnovers two of which lead directly to goals last game. This top line has been one of the best in hockey and they can lead the Knights to another win and maybe even a Cup. Marchessault – Karlsson – Smith clearly have well developed chemistry and look to continue their success in game two.
Capitals
Ovechkin
Plain and simple Ovi needs to break through this game. He was held to 5 total shot attempts in the first gaem and only 2 got through. Expect Ovi to come out flying tonight and pot at least one goal. He needs to lead the Caps in this game and series. Ovi’s linemate Kuznetsov is doing his part so now they need to get a connection going and find the back of the net.
Better Breakouts
The Caps forced a ton of passes out of their own zone and turned the puck over routinely. This might have been due to nerves but they certainly need to be better and smarter when breaking the puck out. These kinds of turnovers can’t happen and they lost because of these poor breakouts. Team defense as a whole needs to be better in their end they left too many open opportunities for the Knights
Holtby
Brayden Holtby is gonna be a big piece to this final. He shut out the Lightning to end the ECF and now the Caps need him to keep games close with the Knights. I wouldn’t say any of the goals he let in were poor but the Caps had trouble breaking the puck out after Holtby let up rebounds on shots he should have smothered. Covering pucks and being able to change lines is a necessity. Holtby needs to improve his rebound control.
Game Two is tonight at 8 on NBC in Vegas. Maybe we’ll get another pregame treat like Monday.
Written By Tyler Smith (@Tylersmith4386)