Five ways the Caps can even up the series

4:36 PM ET

PITTSBURGH — It was a pretty upbeat and confident-sounding Washington Capitals team after practice on Tuesday. You wouldn’t know they were down 2-1 in their series with the Pittsburgh Penguins. And perhaps it’s because they know how well they played in Game 3 despite losing 3-2, but if they continue to play like they did Monday night, this series will turn.

Five ways the Caps can even up this series Wednesday, 8 p.m. ET, in Game 4:

1. Take advantage of No. 58’s absence: On a blue-line that’s thin when everyone is healthy, let alone with Olli Maatta injured, losing No. 1 defenseman Kris Letang to a one-game suspension is a huge blow for the Penguins. He is the key to how they transition out of their zone. He does it all for them back there. Look at Letang’s two outlet passes on the two opening goals in Game 3. Nobody can replace Letang, who no doubt when it’s revealed in June will have finished fourth or fifth in Norris Trophy voting this season. His absence will mean the Capitals’ forecheck and cycle game will be able to have a bigger impact. Look for Pittsburgh to get bottled up in its zone for long stretches Wednesday night.

The Capitals have to build on the way they attacked in the last four periods. John McDonnell/The Washington Post/Getty Images

2. Build on the last four periods: Dating back to the beginning of the third period in Game 2, the Caps have outshot the Penguins 63-30 and have dominated zone time and puck possession. They know that. And they believe they’ll pick up from there Wednesday night. “Our game was much better, was much more the game that we envisioned, the game that we play when …

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