Game 4 could be an opportunity to find some stability at the position, with either Craig Anderson or Ilya Samsonov primed for their second start of the series.
On the whole, Samsonov’s performance in Game 3 indicates he deserves another opportunity. For 85 minutes, Samsonov showed how good he can be Washington’s top pick in the 2015 draft, blossoming into a regular starter in net. As the game ticked into the 86th minute, though, the two-sidedness to Samsonov made its presence all-too apparent, casting a shadow once more over the Capitals’ goaltending situation as the series advances to Game 4.
That’s when the critical miscommunication between Samsonov and defenseman Justin Schultz occurred, and that’s when Boston’s Craig Smith pounced, stealing the puck and giving the Bruins a 2-1 series lead.
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NHL roundup: Smith’s extra hustle on forecheck puts Boston in control
The Bruins have a 2-1 series lead over the Capitals thanks to Craig Smith s improbable goal in the second overtime.
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Teammates surround Bruins right wing Craig Smith after his game-winning goal against the Washington Capitals during a second overtime period of Game 3 Wednesday, in Boston. The Bruins won 3-2 and took a 2-1 series lead.
Charles Krupa/Associated Press
BOSTON It was a play that almost never works.
A goalie usually stops the puck on long clear-ins behind his own net and holds it long enough to give it to one of his defensemen to start the breakout.
The Narrative: Low Fives, Burying the Lead and Third Pair, Don’t Care
Three things we’re talking about today when we’re talking about the Caps
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1. Low Fives
During the regular season the, Washington Capitals scored 131 goals at five-on-five (2.3 per game), one great Alex Ovechkin night behind League-leading Vegas’s total of 135. Through three playoff games (really ten periods and change), they’re just a bit below that pace, having managed six tallies at fives, though they’re scoring rate is off by a more significant amount (2.16 goals-for per sixty minutes at five-on-five after clicking at a 2.89 mark during the regular season, a 25 percent drop).
Samsonov Ready for Challenge As He Reclaims Caps Crease japersrink.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from japersrink.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.