It’s downright bizarre how many tough beats have occurred on the daily free plays, and another one was absorbed last night. The Nationals led 6-3 heading to the bottom of the 8th at KC. The Royals knocked one run off the deficit in that frame. The B9 was a disaster. Check swing seeing eye single, base hit, a stolen base attempt where out became safe because the ball got dropped, and from there I knew what was going to happen before it happened. I’m heading to the ice for tonight’s comp.
CAPITALS at PENGUINS
Take: CAPITALS -105
It’s Game Four of the compelling Eastern Conference semifinal series between Washington and Pittsburgh, and it’s close to a must win for the visiting Capitals. The Caps certainly have to feel frustrated being down 2-1 after losing a Game Three is which they outplayed the Penguins by an enormous margin. But the Pens got an electrifying performance from rookie goaltender Matt Murray and now the Caps really need to win to avoid having their backs against the wall.
Anyone who has followed the Stanley Cup playoffs over the years knows all about what can happen when a goalie, even one who actually isn’t supposed to be playing at all, gets on a roll. That’s why Murray will be staying in the cage once again tonight even though Marc-Andre Fleury has been cleared to play now that he’s past his concussion.
As amazing as Murray was in Game Three, he might have to be even better tonight. The Caps know they were the vastly superior team in Game Three and the Penguins now have a real problem on the blueline heading into tonight’s battle.
Olli Maatta is already on on the sidelines with an injury and now the Penguins will be minus Kris Letang, who will be serving a one-game suspension. That means important minutes for Derrick Pouliot and Justin Schultz. Letang is an enormous component in virtually every aspect of the Penguins game and even for one game, I don’t see any way his absence won’t be felt.
I’m also of the opinion that while Murray might well stay on fire, he might be even more likely to suffer a bounce over what was unquestionably the best game of his career to date, considering the circumstances.
The Capitals have to avoid going on tilt if they dominate again but it doesn’t show on the scoreboard. But if they arrive at the arena with their heads on straight they’re the side with the advantages tonight, and I expect this series to get squared up at two games apiece. There has been some line movement already as I think had to be expected. But with the game still in the pick ’em neighborhood, I’m putting my money on the Capitals tonight.
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