Event of the Day: Columbus Blue Jackets versus Washington Capitals
Our event of the day comes from the NHL playoffs as the Columbus Blue Jackets host the Washington Capitals in Game Six of the Eastern Conference first round series at the Nationwide Arena. The series sits at 3-2 after the Capitals have won three games on the bounce, including an overtime victory in the most recent game in Washington. Nicklas Backstrom scored the key goal for Washington after nearly 12 minutes of overtime, to turn today’s game into an effective elimination game for Columbus, who need to win to keep their dreams of winning a playoff series for the first time alive. The last game was the fourth out of the five games played so far to go to overtime, with very little to show between the two sides to date in the series.
The Blue Jackets will hope that they can use home-ice advantage to give themselves a slight edge and force a series deciding Game Seven. For Washington, Braden Holtby was the key man in their win last time, after he made 39 saves, and he will be vital at the Nationwide Arena if they are to secure that series clinching victory. Alex Ovechkin, the Capital’s captain and leading point scorer this season, will be the other key man for the Caps with his vast amounts of experience and goal scoring pedigree. Artemi Panarin has been Columbus’ key man all season, and that has continued throughout this series, where he has two goals and five assists so far. With so little between the sides, this match and series are all set for an exciting climax.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the NBA playoffs as the Oklahoma City Thunder play the Utah Jazz in the fourth game of the series at the Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City. Utah lead the series 2-1 after winning the previous game 115-102. Also in the NBA playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves play the Houston Rockets. The NHL’s other playoff game of the day sees the Boston Bruins visit the Toronto Maple Leafs, whilst in MLB, the San Francisco Giants meet the Washington Nationals at AT&T Park in San Francisco. In cricket’s County Championship, it’s the fourth day of Surrey and Hampshire’s match at The Oval. Elsewhere in cricket, the Delhi Daredevils face the Kings XI Punjab in the IPL. In the English Premier League, Everton face Newcastle United at Goodison Park, Athletic Bilbao host Levante in La Liga, FC Porto play Vitória Setúbal in Primeira Liga and Genoa and Verona meet in Serie A. On Tennis’ ATP Tour, it’s the first day of the Barcelona Open Banco Sabadell, whilst on the WTA Tour, it’s day 1 of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart. The World Snooker Championship continues at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Fixture
Photos by NHL