The conference finals can be set Monday with wins by the Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets. Both teams hold 3-2 series leads heading into Game 6.
The Capitals will look to end the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Stanley Cup three-peat quest at PPG Paints Arena. The Penguins have gone through the Capitals the past two years en route to winning the Cup. The Capitals are also trying to reach the Eastern Conference Final for the first time since 1998. They’re 0-6 since then when needing a win to advance to the ECF. The Capitals aren’t the only ones in Washington who struggle in that situation.
Since 1998, the Caps, Nats, Skins and Wiz have played 13 playoff games in which a win meant a conference finals appearance. They’re 0-13. Chance No. 14 comes on Monday.
— Dan Steinberg (@dcsportsbog) May 6, 2018
Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban guaranteed a Game 7 against the Jets. The Predators, who lost to the Penguins in last year’s Stanley Cup Final, will have to play much better than in Saturday’s 6-2 loss in Game 5 to win Monday and force a Game 7 back in Nashville. The Jets have never reached the Western Conference Final.
How to watch Monday’s games:
Stanley Cup playoffs schedule
| Matchup | Series | Time | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 5: Washington at Vegas | WSH 3-1 | 7 p.m. | NBC |
SB Nation sites to follow on Twitter:
Washington (@japersrink) at Pittsburgh (@pensburgh)
Nashville (@ontheforecheck) at Winnipeg (@arcticicehockey)