NHL Stanley Cup Final 2018: Knights vs. Capitals Game 3 Odds, Schedule and Pick

The first Stanley Cup Final game in Washington, D.C., since 1998 will be the most important contest of the season to date for the Vegas Golden Knights and Washington Capitals.

With the seven-game series tied at 1-1, Vegas needs to get back on track after losing Game 2 on home ice Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Capitals have an opportunity to win two straight games at Capital One Arena to put the pressure squarely on the Golden Knights.

Offense has been the story of the series, with 10 goals coming in Game 1 (6-4 to Vegas) and another five produced in Game 2 (3-2 to Washington).

In the days leading up to Game 3, both coaches will try to once again make defensive adjustments in order to keep the match close and allow the talented goalies to take over.

Game 3 Information

Date: Saturday, June 2

Time: 8 p.m. ET 

TV: NBCSN 

Live Stream: NBC Sports Live or NBC Sports app

Odds (via OddsShark): Vegas (+128; bet $100 to win $128) at Washington (-167; bet $167 to win $100)

Will Offense Reign Supreme Once Again in Game 3? 

Given how well the Golden Knights and Capitals played on defense in the conference final round, the number of goals scored at T-Mobile Arena was a bit surprising. 

The fifteen tallies netted by the two finalists is the most combined goals in the first two games of a Stanley Cup Final since 1982, per NHL PR:

Fourteen different players struck the back of the net, with Vegas' Tomas Nosek being the only player with two goals in the series (both scored in Game 1).

The diversity in scoring means each defense isn't able to focus on stopping a single line in order to thwart endless chances on net.

Only three of the 36 skaters who've earned playing time in Games 1 and 2 failed to record a shot, and all them reside on Washington's roster.

Vegas has been relentless in its pursuit for goals, especially Jonathan Marchessault, who leads the series with 14 shots on goal.

The Golden Knights outshot the Capitals 73-54 at T-Mobile Arena, but the Capitals relied on goalie Braden Holtby, who made 37 saves in Game 2—including this incredible stop with the paddle of his stick:

Washington has the momentum entering Game 3, but if Vegas' offensive push carries over to Saturday, the Golden Knights should be in a good position to take back the lead in the series. 

How Serious Is Kuznetsov's Injury? 

Not only has Evgeny Kuznetsov been one of the best players in the postseason for the Capitals, but he's perhaps been the best player overall in the NHL playoffs.

The 26-year-old Russian has scored 11 goals and handed out 14 assists in 21 games, which is why there's so much concern about the injury he suffered in the first period of Game 2. 

Capitals head coach Barry Trotz didn't add any details about Kuznetsov's injury after the game, per NHL.com's Dan Rosen: 

Washington was able to grind out a road victory without one of its top offensive players, but if he is out for Game 3, Trotz must juggle his lines.

Nicklas Backstrom and Lars Eller could move up lines to replace him, as Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan pointed out:

Backstrom and Eller each has a goal and two assists through two games, and they should be able to slide right into new lines and produce the same numbers.

The concern for the Capitals comes at the bottom of the forward depth chart, as they would have to rely on players with less experience instead of possessing a quality third-line center in Eller.

The two-day break before Game 3 gives the Capitals plenty of time to adjust to the worst-case scenario, or it could be enough for Kuznetsov to recover and a play a role on home ice.

Pick: Washington 3, Vegas 2.

Even if Kuznetsov is unable to play in Game 3, the Capitals will feed off the crowd at Capital One Arena and score the first two goals of the game.

Although Vegas gets back into the contest, Holtby stands strong in net once again to hand the Capitals a 2-1 series advantage.

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.