The Washington Capitals may have home ice for the series but tonight the Penguins are the ones with the advantage at Mellon Arena. Down 3-2 in the series, the Pens know Washington has no choice but to play desperation hockey out there to send this thing back to D.C. tied at three a piece. Nothing held back. No surrender. These guys are going to come at Pitt hard knowing there's everything to lose and a game seven to gain if they can't bag the win.
Sergei Gonchar will once again likely be a scratch for the Pens as he didn't participate in the morning skate. However Coach Dan Bylsma suggested that Sarge may return to skating soon, which leads one to believe that Gonchar may be game-ready should Pitt advance to the next round. Despite all this he is still listed as day-to-day and a game-time decision.
In that respect, the Pens will once again carry seven defensemen. According to the Penguins web site, Kris Letang and Alex Goligoski were working the power play during the morning skate.
The key to a fourth-straight consecutive Pittsburgh win may rest in the hands of disciplined hockey. Allowing Washington to take the ice on a power play may prove crucial, as noted Saturday night when the Caps reaped the rewards of a too-many-men call on Pitt. This may be the most physical game of the series. It's important to tuck those elbows in, lead with shoulders, don't leave your feet and keep the sticks down. One stupid penalty can lead to an unnecessary goal.
Pitt makes a run for the series tonight. Let's shut this thing down on home ice.