Random thoughts and somewhat formed sentences on the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals series as they prepare for Game 3.
We definitely know that defensive shakeups are coming for both the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals in the coming days. For the Caps, it's league-mandated and will last for the next 3 games, thanks to Brooks Orpik's illegal check to Olli Maatta. For the Pens, it's of unknown length as Maatta recovers from the effects of Orpik's hit.
What does is mean for both?
Capitals
Most of Orpik's absence will likely be absorbed by the team's best three defensemen in John Carlson, Matt Niskanen and Karl Alzner , all of whom already are averaging 23+ minutes per game in these 2016 NHL playoffs.