The New York Islanders will try to complete a sweep of the Washington Capitals in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference First Round at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Tuesday.
Teams with a 3-0 lead are 190-4 (97.9 percent) winning a best-of-7 Stanley Cup Playoff series.
It's the second year in a row the Islanders have been in this position; they swept the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2019 Eastern Conference First Round.
"Last year was last year," New York coach Barry Trotz said. "I don't know if it's going to help, but I do know it's not going to hurt. We recognize the quality of team that we're up against on the other side, the high quality of personnel that they have. We're just focused on ourselves mostly, so I think with our leadership group, we've kept a pretty focused group and we understand what's at stake and we don't look too far ahead."
Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (NHL concussion protocol) was a full participant in the morning skate but will sit out a third straight game. He was unfit to play in Games 2 and 3.
Here are 3 keys to Game 4:
1. Stay the course
The Islanders have been dominant 5-on-5 since the postseason began Aug. 1 and have allowed two even-strength goals in this series. It's vital they don't stray from what's made them so successful and get into a track meet with the Capitals.
"It's about our game, how we play and go from there," New York defenseman Andy Greene said. "We don't change what we do, just kind of fix a few areas and go from there. [We] just need to focus on our game and go from there."
2. One game
Washington coach Todd Reirden said the Capitals are not focused on winning the next four games, which they will need to do to win this series. Instead, it's all about Game 4.
"We've got to be physically engaged right from the drop of the puck and be prepared to play our best, the best possible game we can play to give ourselves a chance to win," Reirden said. "One game. Right now, all we're focusing on is winning one hockey game. That starts with beating the guy across from you and doing it continually shift after shift. That's where our mindset is right now."
3. Power play must step up
The Islanders escaped Game 3 with a 2-1 overtime victory despite going 0-for-5 on the power play with six shots on goal. They are 1-for-14 in the series.
"We're getting some looks, but it's not consistent right now," New York defenseman Devon Toews said. "There's some things that we see and are trying to do, but at the same time, the [Capitals penalty kill is] doing a good job."
Reirden said Fehervary was the only player who did not participate in the Capitals' morning skate. A decision as to who replaces him will be made before the game.
