Following losses in Game 1 and 2 at home, Washington capitals captain Alex Ovechkin boastfully proclaimed not only would the Capitals be back at Capital One Arena for a Game 5, they’d have the best-of-seven series tied at 2-2. They did so, and after a Nicklas Backstrom redirection in overtime Washington now holds a 3-2 series lead heading back to Columbus for potential series-clinching Game 6.
With his team’s back against the wall, Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella pulled a page out of Ovechkin’s book guaranteeing a Game 7 back in D.C. Twice Tortorella said “We’ll be back here for Game 7” after he was asked how he would get his team ready for an emotionally charged Game 6.
“I won’t have to say a damn word to them,” Tortorella said per Brian McNally of NHL.com. “No. We’ll be back here for Game 7.”
The same way Ovechkin was confident the Capitals, who had dropped two overtime games at the time could get the series even, Tortorella should be just as confident. The Blue Jackets have dropped two overtime games, including a double OT thriller in Game 3. The Blue Jackets are heading home for the pivotal Game 6, where they have won 26 games during the regular season, and even with losses in Game 3 and 4 they should feel they can put together a strong enough 60 minutes or so to win Game 6.
Also, the Capitals will have the pressure on them. Their the favorites, and have their history of early postseason exits in the back of their minds. So, could there be a Game 7 back in D.C.?
Sure.
Capitals head coach Barry Trotz understood Tortorella’s confidence but said his team has to be ready to ensure the next game back in D.C. will be in the second round of the NHL Playoffs.
“What else are you going to say? That’s good. He wants to get it out there he believes in his team just as I believe in my team. It’s our job for that not to happen, Trotz said per McNally.
