Glad we are keeping the same line up. I know we aren't "healthy" by a longshot as I imagine half the line up is playing through something or the other. Fatigue even at this point, for both teams. But this line up has really gelled of late, starting with late last series honestly and just riding on in. Even Andre who I think had the most problems coming in after healthy has started to slot in, play smarter defensively and hustle right. The buy in to Trotz system, for as much credit as we give to Holtby and other aspects of why we are where we are, is also a huge, like monumental factor. Let's not undersell Trotz here folks, he's done amazing these playoffs. The players see the message and what can be accomplished and when you see great team game efforts I think coaching deserves huge praise for it.
Nonetheless, I'm pumped to honestly still be playing so it's hard to have too harsh expectations going forward. I obviously want a win here, because one win away from a Cup with 3 chances, you have to like those odds. It's gives them nearly the best odds of winning. But still have to execute. Tonight is huge. I'm curious to see as well who on our line up steps up and is heroes tonight, minus Holtby of course who has been a huge factor every game.
If we can maintain our mean pace though, I feel like 5v5, it's our series to lose. I feel like there was a moment during the later stages of Game 1, and during Game 2 where Vegas was playing very aggressive, in our face tough. And our boys finally decided to play that style back and haven't looked back. I feel like that was a bad thing for Vegas because even though Vegas does have some mean players, all in all I think our roster is bigger, more physical, and more talented. For all the talk of us playing beyond a threshold, let's not kid ourselves folks here, that is Vegas. Our centers are sure as hell tougher than Cody bloody Eakin, despite all Eakins hard work. We cut that kid for a reason. He can excel in a more prime opportunity but even Beagle out competes Eakin for a center spot in our very deep center group.
The key for us has been giving Vegas the exact amount of respect they deserve, enough to play as hard on them as we need to in order to accomplish. And not get panicked when they forecheck us a little, which we've done a much better job of last two games. But 5v5 if we play to our abilities, we are absolutely the better team, and better equipped for the type of hockey we've been forcing upon them. Just have to keep up the pace and pressure Caps, come on...2 more wins! Let's go Caps!
