Caps’ power play giving Knights fits

The Washington Capitals are making a mockery of the Golden Knights’ penalty killing in the Stanley Cup Final.

The Knights entered the final with a success rate of almost 83 percent. But after four games against Washington, which is 4 of 12 on the power play, the percentage is 67 percent.

The Capitals went 3-for-5 with the man advantage at Capital One Arena on Monday in a 6-2 victory that gave them a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Washington’s power play is scoring at one of the highest rates in postseason history, converting 29.6 percent (21 of 71). According to the NHL, only two teams have fared better since the league began tracking power-play percentage in 1977-78 — the 1981 New York Islanders were 37.8 percent (31 of 82) and the 1994 Toronto Maple Leafs were 29.7 percent (22 of 74).

“They’re a special group,” Knights defenseman Nate Schmidt said. “You have to honor what they have. They have three different guys who can score at any time.”

Center Pierre-edouard Bellemare said the Knights must improve if they want to prolong the series.

“We have to do a better job of covering them,” he said. “Letting in three goals is unacceptable. “Too many players are free and open, and they’re putting away their chances. We’ve got to get up on them quicker.”