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Typically, when you pick a side in the title of an argument, you open yourself up for a whole lot of criticism if you aren’t right. But I don’t think my NHL pick for tonight will be wrong. It’s a little risky to bet against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. But I firmly believe that the Capitals are ready. And here’s why:
3 Reasons the Capitals Will Win Game 7
Depth
The Capitals are a deeper team than the Penguins. The Caps are also a seemingly more healthy team, too. Pittsburgh has had their share of tough injuries in these playoffs, ones that have probably not healed all the way. Yes, I’m looking at you, Sid. There’s no way that you can be anywhere near 100% after the shots to the head that you’ve suffered in this series. Meanwhile, on the Capitals side, their big guns have come to play in the last two games. Their talent has shone and I think it’ll shine again tonight.
Precedent
The hockey playoffs have a long and storied history of seeing teams come back from 3-1 series deficits. In fact, no other sport has seen this many comebacks in playoffs. But that’s what makes this sport so special. If you’re looking for some history that can be applied here, look no further than the last time the Penguins won the cup. In 2009 the Pens won the cup. In 2010 they were upset in the second round by the Montreal Canadiens. Now, the Capitals are no underdog team, but they are looking to dethrone the defending champs in the second round. Hmmmm, food for thought.
Desire
Finally, in the last couple of games we’ve seen the desperation and no-quit attitude that Washington fans have been waiting to see for years. The Caps are playing with a nastiness and determination that is currently not being matched. With the game now shifting to D.C., where the Pens won the first two games of the series, do you really expect them to win a third one on the road? I don’t. If the Caps play as desperate as they have in the last couple of games, this one will feel pretty sweet upon the final buzzer.
But the top key to tonight will be Braden Holtby vs Marc-Andre Fleury in nets. Can Holtby continue to outshine Fleury, who finally had a bad game? I say yes. My Stanley Cup odds pick tonight is D.C and the Capitals will win game 7. Enjoy the game, folks.
Matthew Ross is a sports commentator and a radio host on TSN 690 Radio in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Follow him @MatthewWords.
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