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Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Washington Capitals Game 6 prediction

ByDave Stevenson|
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 21:Washington Capitals right wing T.J. Oshie (77) and Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (19) celebrate after backstroke scores the winning goal during the fourth period of Game 5 of the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Washington Capitals and the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Capital One Arena on Saturday, April 21, 2018. The Washington Capitals defeated yeh Columbus Blue Jackets to go up 3-2 in the series. (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 21:Washington Capitals right wing T.J. Oshie (77) and Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (19) celebrate after backstroke scores the winning goal during the fourth period of Game 5 of the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Washington Capitals and the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Capital One Arena on Saturday, April 21, 2018. The Washington Capitals defeated yeh Columbus Blue Jackets to go up 3-2 in the series. (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

The Columbus Blue Jackets face a must-win Game 6 against the Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals, after losing the first two games of their first-round series against the Columbus Blue Jackets, have won three straight games. Two of these games, including Game 5, were won in overtime. The two teams are prepared to do battle in Game 6, which will be held at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

For the Blue Jackets, this is a must-win game. A victory in Game 6 would give the franchise its first ever Game 7, as they’ve never won three games in a single postseason series. The Blue Jackets did a lot of good things in Game 5, including dominating the third period. However, they couldn’t get enough pucks past Caps goaltender Braden Holtby.

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Meanwhile, the Capitals were able to put aside a dreadful third-period performance in Game 5. They came out strong in overtime and eventually, Nicklas Backstrom’s deflection past Sergei Bobrovsky gave the home team its first win of the series. The Capitals are hoping to keep the number of games the home team has won in this series at one.

In a battle between two elite goaltenders, Holtby has gotten the best of Bobrovsky. At times, both goalies have stolen games for their respective team. But since the official switch to Holtby in net, the Capitals have yet to lose.

How the Blue Jackets Can Win

The Blue Jackets must build on what they did in the third period of Game 5. They played with an impressive level of intensity and desperation. The Capitals had no answer for their relentless pressure. If Columbus can channel that energy in Game 6, they have a pretty good chance of winning.

How The Capitals Can Win

As any Capitals fan will tell you, the Capitals struggle to close out teams. Game 5 almost became a great example of that, but luckily for them, Holtby was outstanding. The Capitals took advantage of the Blue Jackets in their last road game, beating them 4-1. It was arguably their most impressive win of the series.

To win in Game 6, the Capitals must continue to generate chances. And they must be prepared for the Blue Jackets to come out strong. An early goal could set the tone in this matchup.

Next: Power Ranking the Stanley Cup Playoff Teams

Prediction

Who will go on to face the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round? The Capitals will, as they’ll beat the Blue Jackets 4-2 in Game 6.

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