Concussed Crosby skates at Penguins practice facility

They need more from trade-deadline acquisition Kevin Shattenkirk, who will command a hefty price this offseason, but has done little of positive note in this series.

Some of the Capitals’ answers following the loss were similar to ones they gave after their 3-2 overtime loss to the Penguins in Game 4 last season, referencing their character and resilience.

Pittsburgh got the first win in the series by a home team when they earned a 3-2 victory in Game 4 of the series Wednesday night. The Predators won 2-1 to take a 3-1 lead in the series. “We’re focused on who’s in our lineup tonight, and those guys are going to help us win a game”.

The Pittsburgh Penguins were a puck-hogging, ice-tilting blur last spring, overwhelming opponents with an avalanche of shots and sustained offensive pressure that ended with the franchise’s fourth Stanley Cup. I didn’t think I hit him that hard, but I’ve been on the other side. The Capitals have also attempted 306 shots compared to the 180 pucks the Penguins have fired towards the net.

The most recent team that failed to finish the job was the Capitals in 2015, losing to the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference semifinals. It also forced his team to figure out a way to survive without one of the game’s most brilliant catalysts while simultaneously trying to rein in their anger at what they considered a dirty hit. He will score next game for sure.

On a night when stick taps could be handed out to just about every player on the roster for one reason or another, the biggest goes out to Marc-Andre Fleury.

“You can’t replace (Crosby) but I think we’ve shown that through the season whenever the guy’s not there, other guys have to step up”, Fleury said.

He repeated some variation of that answer multiple times during his press conference just in case you missed the subtlety.

Back in the 2011 NHL Playoffs, the Penguins lost their first round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning in seven games. First, it’s obvious that Evgeni Malkin, who leads the playoffs in scoring, is going to have to continue to play the way he has, even better.

Compare Sullivan’s comments in their loss to what Washington coach Barry Trotz said after Wednesday night’s 3-2 loss.

Braden Holtby finished with a sub-.900 save percentage (three goals on 18 shots) for the third time in four games vs. the Pens. One more win an they’re through and they’ve got three shots at it.

Lucic put Edmonton in front with a power-play goal at 15:38, and McDavid swept the puck over Gibson at 17:43 for his second goal of the series and fifth of the postseason. Washington had to have this game, but it never looked like a team that knew how to take it.

Not only does Crosby’s injury leave them without their best player, it carries residual effects down the roster.

Ovechkin had 10 points this postseason and continued to be a physical presence, and looked risky at times in Game 4.

Just like he did after Crosby left Game 3, I fully expect Malkin to kick it up a notch.