One thing I will say, however, is that this loss is not solely Joel Ward's fault. Hockey is a team game, and when you fail to take advantage of your chances, you're probably going to lose. Yes, Ward's penalty was dumb and in no way excusable. Neither is failing to shoot the puck or missing the net on three odd-man rushes in the third period after taking a 2-1 lead. Neither is being out shot 17-4 in the first period and by 20 overall in a playoff game. Neither is the fact that Nicklas Backstrom has now missed two breakaways in the last two games. Neither is Braden Holtby overcommitting on the game tying goal and not being able to cover the puck. Neither is losing the last seven faceoffs you take in a game. It's a team game.
In the NHL playoffs, you have to take advantage of opportunities that you are given. Washington did not do that on Monday, and they lost. The Rangers, on the other hand, did. It's a team game, and a team loss.
On to the next one. You have to win four for a reason.
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