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Posted at 12:30 PM EST. 

8:00 PM EST. While we have the Caps to win the East, we’re not adverse to switching gears when we trust it’s warranted. Washington’s loss in Game 1 is a massively big deal as far as we’re concerned. Talent wise, Washington can match up with any team in the NHL and then some. Mentally speaking however, they had to win Game 1 but instead they showed that they’re still not ready to take that next step. They are a bunch of dandelion puffs once again.

Pittsburgh made quick work of Columbus in the first round so they were off for a few days while Washington was sharp off a solid series victory over the pesky, quick and talented Maple Leafs. Washington looked sharper than Pittsburgh for sure. They had the puck more and they created more chances but they still lost. We’re not going to promise a Penguins win but we will promise a better effort from the Pens here because you’re not going to see back-to-back games play out like that from the Pens. They’re gonna bring it here. Furthermore, Sidney Crosby played like a man on a mission. You could see it in his eyes after the 2nd goal, not just how badly he wants a 3rd cup, but how badly he wants to beat this Washington team. “Caps in 6, Caps in 5, Caps in 6” is all the Pens and Crosby heard for days leading up to the series. You don’t think that shit bothers him? He’s a weirdo. Hockey is all he cares about.

Additionally, we’re starting to think that the Penguins are in Braden Holtby’s head or that they have found a weakness in Holtby’s game. Holtby was yanked against Pittsburgh the last time they played prior to these playoffs and the goals he let in on Thursday were not beauties either. Aside from that, the entire Capitals team has mental hurdles to overcome that the Penguins do not. The Caps have to be thinking about the possibility of being down 0-2 going to Pittsburgh. They get ousted early every season and now instead of being up 1-0 and being relaxed, they’re down 1-0 and can’t be in the least bit relaxed. All the pressure is on the favorite here and then there’s Brooks Orpik too. Orpik plays for the Washington Capitals and even in the most dire of times, he will have to come onto the ice and when that happens, there’s a strong chance he’s going to screw something up. Give a massive psychological edge to Pittsburgh, as they’re playing to win here while the Capitals are in the “playing not to lose” mindset.

Lastly, the Penguins are likely going to get another healthy body back here, as Carl Hagelin was full-go in practice Friday playing with Phil Kessel and Evgeni Malkin. He’s an impact player that instantly makes the Penguins better. The Caps are a great hockey team but Game 1 revealed once again that they don’t have that mojo that the Penguins have. Now it’s the Pens that smell a wounded prey and when Crosby and company smell a wounded prey, get the f**k out of their way. 

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