After the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Washington Capitals 4-2 at Capital One Arena in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals Tuesday night to climb back into the series 2-1, a few things became as apparent as a bolt from the blue:
- I should not cover games if the Capitals want to win.
- Washington cannot keep giving the Lightning power play chances.
With 5 power play goals in three games this series, that last point has become obvious. The Capitals’ penalty kill has lost its mojo, and recovering it — or at least, limiting its exposure to the cruel, unforgiving sun of duty — will be key to advancing to the Stanley Cup Finals.