WASHINGTON (CBSDC) — Should Joel Ward be held solely responsible for the Washington Capitals’ Game 5 collapse?

Sure, it was Ward’s four-minute double minor high sticking penalty that paved the way for the New York Rangers to capitalize. New York seized the man-up opportunity to tie the game with 6.6 seconds remaining and then light the lamp shortly in overtime to come away with the stunning win.

But perhaps the blame cannot be placed squarely on the shoulders of the man who was a hero in the Boston series.

Mike Vogel, senior writer for WashingtonCaps.com, points out there are 19 other players on that team who could have made a difference.

Still, Vogel believes Dale Hunter’s squad will give a desperation performance Wednesday night with the backs against the wall.

What do you think? Should Ward field all the blame for the Caps loss?

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