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Keys to the series: Can the Caps bring home the Stanley Cup?

Monday is Game 1 of the 2018 Stanley Cup Finals, Capitals vs the Golden Knights.
Credit: Bruce Bennett
LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 27: A detailed view of the jerseys of the Washington Capitals and the Vegas Golden Knights during Media Day for the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena on May 27, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON (WUSA9)-- The day that so many have been waiting for is finally here.

Monday is Game 1 of the 2018 Stanley Cup Finals, Capitals vs the Golden Knights.

Most hockey fans didn't imagine these two would be here, but look at them now!

The Capitals fought tooth and nail to make it to the finals, playing three Game 7 series in a row.

The Golden Knights' playoff series didn't go quite as long, so they may be the most rested for this series.

However, I'm going to tell you the 3 keys that would end with the Caps holding up that Stanley Cup Trophy.

1. Don't let them score

Credit: Mike Carlson, 2018 Getty Images
TAMPA, FL - MAY 23: Braden Holtby #70 of the Washington Capitals.(Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

Entering the 2018 playoffs Braden Holtby had a career .932 postseason save percentage.

Holtby had probably the best game of the postseason in Game 7 when the Caps took on the Tampa Bay Lightning.

He blocked every single shot the Lightning took, allowing the Caps to shut them completely out.

At the moment he's playing much better than he did in the regular season, which some say was his worst regular season of his career.

Last season, he led the league with nine shutouts, and didn't have any this season, until Game 6 and 7 against the Lightning.

If the Caps are going to beat the Golden Knights, they need Holtby to continue playing like he has been, and giving the fans a couple shutouts wouldn't hurt.

2. Win on the road

Credit: Mike Carlson, 2018 Getty Images
TAMPA, FL - MAY 23: Members of the Washington Capitals celebrate a win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.(Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

The Washington Capitals have without a doubt been phenomenal on the road in the postseason.

Two-thirds of their wins have been at their opponent's arena, and they seem to look more comfortable not in front of their home crowd.

Not sure what it is driving Washington's confidence on the road, but they're heading into Game 1 at Vegas after earning two road wins in Tampa Bay.

If they can continue to be successful on the road as they have been in previous games this postseason, the Capitals will have no problem securing the cup.

But let's hope some of that road game magic rubs off when they play at home.

3. Alex Ovechkin must score

Let's be honest Caps' fans, in order for Washington to bring the Stanley Cup to D.C., Ovi must score!

He's struggled in playoffs past to make the Capitals more successful, but this is not the time to slack off.

The captain and star player for the Washington team has a responsibility to the team, to play harder than he's ever played before.

Even with all the other awards and trophies that he's won, it means nothing if you can't help your team bring home the Stanley Cup Trophy.

So Ovi, please don't let us down.

"We need you", said every Caps' fan.

Contact Ashley on Twitter @AshleyHasSpoken

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