Washington enters the Stanley Cup playoffs playing some impressive hockey, even if it is not necessarily shown in the win column. The Rangers converted on just three of their first 44 power play advantages in 2014 but beat the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round before storming back from three-games to one deficit to win in Round 2 over the Penguins. San Jose’s plus-31 goal differential was the second-best in the West, and its 28-10-3 road record easily led the conference. However, the Flyers have been a much improved team over the past quarter of the season, which was a big part in them storming up the standings and into a playoff spot.
Advertisement
The past couple of weeks were challenging for the Capitals, knowing they had home-ice in the playoffs wrapped up. “It’s pretty insane to see how things are changing and how a team jumps from out of the playoffs right into their own division past the wild card”. Now that the playoffs are about to begin, the Capitals will likely begin to regain their dominating play that they had possessed for much of the season. I don’t [think] he ever lacks confidence, but if he’s not scoring in the first few games of the series, it could get compounded. I think he has played well in previous playoffs of the past.
The Los Angeles Kings did themselves no favors when they blew their season finale against Winnipeg, and that opened the door for Anaheim to win the division title.
And although the Buffalo Sabres may be out, there are still many familiar players vying for the Cup that Sabres fans might want to keep an eye on. “You never know what’s going to happen in the playoffs”.
Kings over Sharks in 7: This will be one of the most highly-anticipated matchups in the first round as these two California rivals will engage in a very physical seven-game series.
The emergence of center Evgeny Kuznetsov, in his second full season, and addition of T.J. Oshie from a trade with the St. Louis Blues has buoyed the hopes of the Eastern Conference’s Capitals as they have provided secondary scoring to Ovechkin. As a team, they’ve been great since Mike Sullivan took over after Mike Johnston got fired.
They’ve made the playoffs seven of the last eight seasons, winning the President’s Cup in 2010 after compiling a 54-15-13 record.
Ducks over Predators in 5: Anaheim has been on a tear since Christmas and doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. But the way he held up during the regular season tells me he’s ready for it this time.
Last but not least (especially for us) Philadelphia Flyers +11 vs Washington Capitals -1.
Panthers over Islanders in 7: This one could go either way, but veterans Jaromir Jagr and Cup-determined goaltender Roberto Luongo will help Florida’s mostly young team get to Round 2. A red-hot Pittsburgh team probably poses the greatest challenge, but question marks surrounding who will play in net could eventually prove to be the Penguins’ demise. In the end, I think the Capitals finish off their dream season, and Alex Ovechkin finally gets to lift the Cup. NY is without its captain, Ryan McDonagh, and Pittsburgh is getting defenseman Olli Maatta back.
Advertisement
What’s true is there will be no surprises for either side when the puck drops just after 7 p.m. Braden Holtby will continue his stellar season as the Capitals make it to the second round. 918 save percentage in route to 37 wins and he does have Joe Thornton and the NHL’s No. 4 offense helping him out. If the Flyers dig themselves into a rut on a consistent basis against this Caps team, their season will be over in short fashion. Washington only gave up multiple power-play goals in a game twice this season.
