CAPITALS TAKE LEAD IN SERIES AT HOME

Game 3 is usually the first big game in any series, and in the Washington/Hartford one it was huge because the winner would take the lead in the series. Hartford would be without Mario Lemieux for the self-imposed suspension and at first it didn't seem like it would matter. 

Hartford jumped out to the lead with Coffey scoring in the first minute of the game. It didn't look good for the Capitals as they could only muster 3 shots in the first total. Meanwhile, after the 1st one beat Moffat he stood tall making 8 saves after that and although outplayed and out-shot 9-3 the Capitals would only be down 1-0 after one. 

In the second period, we would see some momentum change but not until Hartford jumped out to a 2-0 lead with Sulliman scoring. That seemed to finally kick the Caps into gear though. Just 26 seconds later, Kurri scored his 3rd of the playoffs to cut the lead in half. Less than 2 minutes after that, Tucker would score his 1st of the season to tie the game. Then with the pressure mounting, Messier scored his 3rd of the series and the Capitals were now in the lead after two periods by a score of 3-2. They also won the shot clock in the second 11-9. 

The third period would be the big test of course, as the Capitals have struggled at home all-season. Many critics point to the fact that the fans always leave the rink after the 2nd to get to bed early because. Well, they are all lawyers and politicians. Well tonight the home team didn't need their fans as they played their best period of the night. The shot clock would be slanted 13-7 in the third for Washington, and Moffat just would not allow another goal. The period got off to a fast start when Krutov scored his 1st of the series just 24 seconds in. With a lead at 4-2 the Whalers did push some, but again Moffat was stellar. Then at the 16 minute mark, Bergevin would finish the scoring with his 1st, and send Beaupre to the showers for the remainder of the game, as the Washington Capitals held on for a 5-2 win at home. 

Mike Moffat took the win making 23 saves on 25 shots. The special teams were really non-existent tonight as both teams went 0-1 on the PP. The Capitals had to be excited they finally did not give up a SH goal on the night. 

1st star - Jari Kurri had 1 goal, 2 points and a +2

2nd star - Ray Bourque had 3 assists, +1 and 4 hits. 

3rd star - Sergei Makarov has 2 assists, +2 and 2 shots on the night. 

Up next will be a big game 4. If Washington wins, they retain home ice advantage and push the Whalers near elimination. If the Whalers win and they regain home ice advantage, it will be as if the first 4 games meant nothing. Mario will return and Moffat and Beaupre should be in the starters nets. Neely is still out with 3 more games to serve from suspension. Ashton will be out for the Capitals and Krutov should be elevated to the 3rd line, and veteran Morris Lukowich will draw in on the 4th line.