Capitals’ play in neutral zone a problem for Golden Knights
Trap defense meant to impede Las Vegas’ quickness on offense
ARLINGTON, Va. — Of all the ways the Washington Capitals have tried to win in the playoffs, none has been as effective as this.
They pushed the pace with speed and skill when Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom were part of the “Young Guns.” They made every game a coin flip with tight, Dale Hunter hockey.
Each time, an early exit followed.
This year is different. Suddenly, the Capitals are a suffocating defensive team that clogs the middle of the ice and makes even the fastest of opponents look slow.
The Vegas Golden Knights are the latest to be frustrated by Washington’s neutral-zone pressure that took a toll on Columbus, Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay, paving the way for this run to the Stanley Cup Final.
After cruising through three rounds with ease, nothing looks easy right now for Vegas because the Capitals have mastered the art of frustration, and are two wins away from hoisting the Cup for the first time.
“Offensive teams have certain tendencies, certain routes that they take through the neutral zone, plays they like to make, so if you can be on top of them and turn over some pucks, stifle them, make it hard for them to gain entry with possession, that frustrates skilled players,” defenseman Matt Niskanen said Sunday. “If you can be in their face, just standing in the way, it’s amazing what that does.”
It is amazing the transformation Washington has made since coach Barry Trotz challenged players late in the regular season to embrace this approach. It was clear as early as Game 4 of the first round that the 1-1-3 trap in the neutral zone had the ability to essentially shut down the opposing attack, and since the first two playoff games the Capitals are 10-2 when scoring first.
The Golden Knights have found how difficult it is to try to come back against Washington and need to adjust quickly down 2-1 in the series going into Game 4 on Monday night.’
They have to make some adjustments before it is too late.
“Our guys who have a lot of speed can go back deeper, gather some speed,” Vegas winger David Perron said. “Then the defensemen can try to freeze the first forechecker, kick it wide.
“These guys coming with speed, if they’re confronted, which they will be most times at the blue line, you can put it in and go on the forecheck.”