Eastern Quarterfinal: (2) Boston Bruins vs. (7) Washington Capitals

http://www3.picturepush.com/photo/a/7981796/1024/Playoffs-2012/eqf2012v2.gif

http://www1.picturepush.com/photo/a/7982894/1024/Playoffs-2012/bruinscaps.gif

Season Series
Boston Bruins: 1-2-1
Washington Capitals: 3-1-0

SERIES SCHEDULE
Game|Home|Visitor|Networks|Date|Time
Game 1|Bruins|Capitals|NBCSN/CBC|Thu, April 12th|7:30PM EST
Game 2|Bruins|Capitals|NBC/CBC|Sat, April 14th|3:00PM EST
Game 3|Capitals|Bruins|NBCSN/CBC|Mon, April 16th|7:30PM EST
Game 4|Capitals|Bruins|NBCSN/CBC|Thu, April 19th|7:30PM EST
Game 5*|Bruins|Capitals|NBC/CBC|Sat, April 21nd|3:00PM EST
Game 6*|Capitals|Bruins|TBA|Sun, April 22th|TBD
Game 7*|Bruins|Capitals|TBA|Tue, April 24th|TBD


* = if needed

Corvo v Wideman. Top billing.

Bruins in six.

Thomas going to the nation's capital. HAHAHA. Caps fans better cheer, "Yes, we can!" or "Welcome to the white house".

Upset city in my opinion!

Ovi goes beast mode.

I'm going Bruins in 7. This matchup is similar to the Montreal one last year. Should be very tough.

The Capitals are more than capable of upsetting this series.

I don't think they will. As a bonus, Caps ownership/management gets a great excuse to remain stagnant in the offseason: "we lost to the champs!"

Bruins without Recchi, Ryder, Horton.
Semin owns Thomas.

Gives me some hope for the Caps...

I'll be interested to see what happens to the Capitals goaltending in this series. I think they have a team that could pull off the "upset," but if they have a goaltending carousel, I dont think they have a chance.

It's going to be a tough series. Hopefully Washington doesn't collectively decide to wake-up from the season long bender that they've been on.

Bruins in 6, Thomas goes into Beast mode and Chara shuts down Ovechkin.

The caps are 12-1 with Ovi, Bäckström, Semin and Green in the lineup. Bäckström also looked great tonight, 1 goal and 1 assist. Doesn't matter now, it's really like a new season, but I hope it carries over to the playoffs!

Caps are something like 12-1 with Semin, OV, Green, and Backstrom in the lineup.

So there is that.

And of course the secret weapon
http://vansunsportsblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Joel-Ward_small.png

Boston will win this.

Hendricks is going to light up Thomas. :sarcasm:

I see this being an upset.*

*And I want Washington just to spite all my Bruins fan friends :laugh:

Bruins in 5

caps in 6, do it

We have been hiding our Secret Weapon Joel Ward up in the press box!
Muahahahaha.

Caps in 7.

Battle of the bandwagons!!!

I'd like the Caps to win... but Bruins in 6 is my guess.

Caps are something like 12-1 with Semin, OV, Green, and Backstrom in the lineup.

So there is that.

And of course the secret weapon
http://vansunsportsblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Joel-Ward_small.png

He almost single handedly beat the Canucks... Boston is going to have their hands full.

Bad final day for Boston...this could go either way.

It's be gonna tough, and I wouldn't be shocked to see the Caps upset the Bruins, but the Bruins are a bloody physical team, with the better D and G.

It all comes down to Ovi, Nicky and Sasha

Thank god there are no shootouts in the playoffs.

I think this series could be one to be an upset. However I think the Bruins will ultimately win.

Well, if Ward doesn't reincarnate from that zombie shell who's been gliding around the ice without a purpose during the regular season that's 3M$ thrown away.

Sorry Washington. Not your year. Bruins in 5.

I'm calling for this to be the upset of the East.

Caps in 7.

Sorry Washington. Not your year. Bruins in 5.

Strong confidence.

Bad final day for Boston...this could go either way.

What is so bad about it? You think they cared who they played?

This is the Stanley Cup Playoffs, every matchup will be hard. Season series means jack**** during this time of the year.

Good luck fellas.


I thought Boston was going to be upset a few weeks ago. I didn't think it would be the Caps playing them at that time. Hell, I didn't even know that the Caps were making the playoffs.

Should be a fun series. I like most of the Bruins, especially Seiguin. Only exception is Thomas.

Can't underestimate Capitals with Backstrom back, it's just a completely different team. Goaltending is a question mark though.

Anyway, I'll go with Bruins in 6.

Does Washington even have a goalie?

Ovechkin might steal a game, but Boston isn't losing to a team with a defense corps that has both Mike Green and Dennis Wideman in it.

Holtby stood on his head against the Rangers today. If he can bring that game in the playoffs, I can see Washington beating the Bruins.

Bruins in 6

First playoff meeting between these two since 98 or 99 I think.

How the hell did every single game the last 3 days have to ruin our matchup with the Sens? :shakehead

Bruins in 5.

What is so bad about it? You think they cared who they played?

This is the Stanley Cup Playoffs, every matchup will be hard. Season series means jack**** during this time of the year.



Yes, I think they cared. They own the Sens.

Does Washington even have a goalie?

Ovechkin might steal a game, but Boston isn't losing to a team with a defense corps that has both Mike Green and Dennis Wideman in it.
Ignorance is a wonderful thing.

Doesn't Boston have Joe Corvo playing?

It sucks that two of my three teams are meeting in the 1st round, love my Caps, but just can't see them getting past the B's and Thomas. Predicting a BOS/VAN rematch this year, so taking the B's in six. This will be one hell on an exciting series though!

Someone above mentioned the Caps using a loss to the B's as an excuse to not re-tool in the offseason, and I have to agree.

Ignorance is a wonderful thing.

Doesn't Boston have Joe Corvo playing?
Corvo is the 7th defenseman as long as Boychuk can go.

Ignorance is a wonderful thing.

Doesn't Boston have Joe Corvo playing?

McQuaid and hopefully Boychuk will be back in time.


Chara - Seidenberg
Ference - Boychuk
McQuaid - Zanon

Caps have no pressure, backstrom is back CAPS in 7

Don't see the Caps winning this one. Boston in 6.

Does Washington even have a goalie?

Ovechkin might steal a game, but Boston isn't losing to a team with a defense corps that has both Mike Green and Dennis Wideman in it.

I wouldn't underestimate Holtby... kid is a monster.
Our future #1, and with our injuries, the future is now.

Ignorance is a wonderful thing.

Doesn't Boston have Joe Corvo playing?

No, they don't.

Thank god there are no shootouts in the playoffs.

I don't know if that's a jab at the caps

if so, the bruins only have 2 more ROW's than the Caps :thumbu:

Bruins in 5.

Bruins in 7. Washington will give them a run for their money. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Washington pulled off the upset.

Boston is gonna stomp them. B's in 5.

Bruins are done for. Caps in 5 or 6.

I don't know if that's a jab at the caps

if so, the bruins only have 2 more ROW's than the Caps :thumbu:

Nope. Not a jab. Just a nod to how confident I feel about the Bruins in OT.

Bruins are done for. Caps in 5 or 6.
Haha, what?

Is Horton out for the playoffs?

Wideman will win AT LEAST one game for the B's. Hopefully Corvo and Wideman even each other out.

Yes, I think they cared. They own the Sens.

Like I said, regular season success means jack**** right now. Habs have owned the Bruins in the regular season the past few years (not this one), and they got 7 games from the B's in '08. A 4 game sweep in '09 and 7 games last year.

Every series is tough this time of the year.

Should be a good one! The whole Southeast has been a nightmare for the Bruins, but hopefully this turns out well for the B's. Like last year, I'll hold back on the predictions. Seemed to work for then. ;)

Is Horton out for the playoffs?

Wideman will win AT LEAST one game for the B's. Hopefully Corvo and Wideman even each other out.

No...hopefully Corvo won't be playing for the B's. :laugh:

Please be healthy Boychuk! Please be healthy Boychuk! Please be healthy Boychuk! Please be healthy Boychuk! Please be healthy Boychuk! Please be healthy Boychuk!

Minor Threat > Negative FX

Based on that, I'm going Capitals. :naughty:

http://i55.tinypic.com/iwmcn8.jpg

Is Horton out for the playoffs?

Wideman will win AT LEAST one game for the B's. Hopefully Corvo and Wideman even each other out.

No one knows on Horton. All we know is that he started skating this week. Also, Corvo won't be playing. Boychuk will be back.

So scared. This will go to 7 games.

Caps fan, Boston in 3. Keep washington under the radar

Nope. Not a jab. Just a nod to how confident I feel about the Bruins in OT.

Most Bruins OT games went to shootout (12 of 15 I think) so its hard to tell how well they'll be in the playoffs.

But I'd agree they have a better chance than the caps in OT

Capitals in 7 if Holtby plays like he can.

Otherwise Bruins in 4 or 5.

Most Bruins OT games went to shootout (12 of 15 I think) so its hard to tell how well they'll be in the playoffs.

But I'd agree they have a better chance than the caps in OT

I'm not talking 4 on 4, 5 minute OT. That isn't the Bruins style. They run a stiff defensive system that doesn't excel in OT like that. I'm talking 20 minutes, 5 on 5, wear your opponent down OT.

i'll say boston, but i see the caps giving them a run for their money.

I'm not talking 4 on 4, 5 minute OT. That isn't the Bruins style. They run a stiff defensive system that doesn't excel in OT like that. I'm talking 20 minutes, 5 on 5, wear your opponent down OT.

I know regular season OT is different, but theres not much else you can go on besides the 5 on 5 play that you mentioned which is why I think the Bruins have a better shot

Bruins in 6, OP's schedule is backwards.

Bears in 6.

Bruins in 5

Boston takes a VERY high scoring series in 6 games.

Caps will get a win out of Boston, but will go down otherwise. 4-1 Boston.

Come on, this should be fun to watch.

Boston in 7.

Bruins in 5. Not sure who I'll "root" for....

Minor Threat > Negative FX

Based on that, I'm going Capitals. :naughty:


1.) No way.

2.) Slapshot > Minor Threat...

Going on that....

Bruins.

Washington in six

Bruins in six.

Should be an entertaining series..Washington has goaltending issues so I think the Bruins will take the series in 5 or 6 but who knows. Backstrom could make a difference but to me Ovi/Semin - Bergeron/Chara is a wash with the B's having much better depth, secondary scoring and goaltending

Bruins in 6

Have to be honest...

Would have prefered Ottawa, Washington could pull upset.

Hopefully Bruins can do it in 6 or 7.

Washington out-classed in every way. Won't take much for Boston to beat the 'try' out of that team. Cheers.


TOML

chara will make ovi his *****.

Bruins in 6, Thomas goes into Beast mode and Chara shuts down Ovechkin.

Pretty much how I see it, but will say Bruins in 5.

Two of my least favorite teams in the league. Caps in 7.

Gonna go bruins in 6. Definitely think wsh has a fighting chance though.

Boston in 3 and a 1/4th.

Actually pulling for the caps in this series.

Is thomas even fully healthy? I thought hes not even 90%?

And hiw about backstrom and green? If these two guys arent 100% then caps are gonna struggle

We will see if the caps are still soft from previous years or have toughened up as they will be facing the dirtiest team in the league.

I expect to see a lot of Lucic in Semins face.

Bruins in 6! Rooting for you guys!

Is thomas even fully healthy? I thought hes not even 90%?

And hiw about backstrom and green? If these two guys arent 100% then caps are gonna struggle

We will see if the caps are still soft from previous years or have toughened up as they will be facing the dirtiest team in the league.

I expect to see a lot of Lucic in Semins face.

And I expect to see a lot of Semin in Lucics face.

Bruins in six.

Thomas going to the nation's capital. HAHAHA. Caps fans better cheer, "Yes, we can!" or "Welcome to the white house".

^^ this made me laugh. :)

Went with Bruins in 6. They're such a strong, relentless team that it's pretty much impossible to vote against them.

Bruins in 5. Not sure who I'll "root" for....

whichever team you want your team to face in the playoffs

Celtics play at home Wed. night, safe to say this is a Thursday/Saturday start?

Harrison Mooney ‏ @HarrisonMooney

If Barack Obama's cool, he'll attend games 3 and 4 of the Capitals/Bruins series and sit right behind the Boston goal.

Bruins ya.. in 6.

I really wanted it to be a NYR-WAS mathup, those games are pretty good. I'm think Caps make it interesting but Bruins thump em.

This series goes to Game 7. Caps can pull the upset as long as the defense can minimize the brain farts.

Toughest match up for the Bruins in the East outside of Pittsburgh IMO. They're just a team the Bruins don't seem to bring their A-game against. I'll still say Bruins in 6, but it's definitely a letdown considering we just got a 4-5 game series taken away from us.

A lot of unfunny White House jokes. I think the Bruins win, not sure how many games it will go.

How the hell did every single game the last 3 days have to ruin our matchup with the Sens? :shakehead

The Sens tanking their way to get out of playing the Bruins.


Ignorance is a wonderful thing.

Doesn't Boston have Joe Corvo playing?

Chara-Seidenberg
Boychuk-Ference
Zanon-Mcquaid

Bruins in five. Suspect defense, goaltending and coaching on the Washington side.

Bruins in five. Suspect defense, goaltending and coaching on the Washington side.

Suspect coaching? Suspect freaking coaching? Uh dude we Fired BB earlier this season. We have Dale ****ing Hunter. Be afraid.

Suspect coaching? Suspect freaking coaching? Uh dude we Fired BB earlier this season. We have Dale ****ing Hunter. Be afraid.

I've been a Knights season ticket holder for years, I know all about the myth that Dale Hunter is actually a good coach. He really struggles in the playoffs, you'll see.

I've been a Knights season ticket holder for years, I know all about the myth that Dale Hunter is actually a good coach. He really struggles in the playoffs, you'll see.

Glad you missed the sarcasm

Still flying under the radar :)

bruins easily

This should be fun.

cap sweep boston 4-0

Bruins in 4.

Boston in 6

Boston in 5

Rooting for Boston.

Didn't want NYR to be matched up with Caps first round, they scare me. Backstrom back, they have some weapons, I think they can do some damage. Caps in 6.

But man am I rooting for Boston. I used to "root" for the Caps, but just can't do it anymore. Hoping to see them exit early.

I think this series comes down to goaltending. With that, I think Boston takes it in 6 games. unless the caps play to their potential of course. Ovie, backstrom, semin, and green are lethal especially if the B's don't stay out of the box.

Caps in 6

Caps squeak out wins in games 1 and 2, then upon seeing Washington crowd all wearing Obama masks, Tim Thomas has an on-ice stroke. Turco takes the ice only to roll over in submissive urination once Ovechkin comes down the wing; Khudobin voluntarily deports himself back to Kazakhstan.

4-0 Caps.

Rolston: 14 pts in last 12
B's 3rd line owns
B's in 6

Caps are something like 12-1 with Semin, OV, Green, and Backstrom in the lineup.

So there is that.

And of course the secret weapon
http://vansunsportsblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Joel-Ward_small.png

He's so secret Caps fans can't even tell if he dressed for the first 82 games, or even arrived from Nashville at all. :sarcasm:

Rolston: 14 pts in last 12
B's 3rd line owns
B's in 6

I think you mean "line 4a" :laugh:

I'm picking Boston to win...I don't know which team I want to win this one, though. This is the only series where I don't want one to win more than the other...Bruins are the better team, and more likely to be a tough physical match-up if they play my team down the line. But I respect them a heck of a lot more than Washington.

Get Hendricks an early Game 1 break away and this is a cake walk for the Caps!:laugh:

I think the Bruins are in big trouble here... caps have had huge letdowns the last few seasons in the post season and almost let this season slip away. I can't see a first round exit for them.

B's chemistry is nowhere near what it was last season and TT doesn't have Rask to lean on, done in 5 or 6 and might I say GOOD RIDDANCE!

;)

Bruins in 5

Least of the 3 I wanted to see in the first round but you gotta beat everyone in your way to win it all.

That being said, Bruins in 7 only because I see this as a possible upset.

And I expect to see a lot of Semin in Lucics face.

Kinda surprised nobody caught this lol

I think you mean "line 4a" :laugh:


I accept that. Or 3 a/b.... I've been use to the 3 and 4 line shuffle since Jan..... 4a has been pretty much the consistent line last 3 wks for sure.

Bruins in 6.

I'm pulling for the Caps, but I've still gotta call Bruins in 5.

This series goes to Game 7. Caps can pull the upset as long as the defense can minimize the brain farts.

Really hard for me to imagine even if such defensive miracles did happen. Especially since the Caps apparently have only one sorta' NHL-caliber goalie. Too much weakness on defense/goal.

Here's to hoping Capitals can do what I was scared the Sens were going to have to attempt, and steal a playoff series from the Champs.

None the less, Bruins in 4

interesting matchup. I see it either being domination by the Bruins with a sweep or caps giving the Bruins trouble and winning in game 7.

caps in 6

ovechkin will go into joel ward-mode

Caps in 7

Thomas woke up and figured out he was a human and not a hockey god.
Malkin is getting the hype but when Ovy is on his shots find the back of the net more then anyone.
Caps are going in hot and their 4th goalie is not better then their starter so that's a wash.
Caps in a seven game stunner.

Capitals in 6, Washington finally gets what they were hoping for: They have almost zero pressure to do anything. Bruins have the pressure of repeating WITHOUT Horton, Recchi or Ryder. Shocker. This will set up a Thomas trade later in the summer.

...seeing the Washington crowd all wearing Obama masks...

Better yet, just give the President free tickets and make sure he attends all of the games. Thomas will boycott the entire first round.

And I expect to see a lot of Semin in Lucics face.

Most underrated post in this thread :laugh:

Going underdog here...


Caps in 7, Ovy snaps with 24 goal in 7 games! :D

I saw Hunter say earlier that Neuvirth's injury is not that bad. Could he be ready for Wednesday/Thursday or is that something that is still unknown at this time?

Caps in 6. i can't stand these vicious Bruins.

Ovechkin won't score a Goal in this series, at least Not at Even strenght.

Caps in 5.

interesting matchup. I see it either being domination by the Bruins with a sweep or caps giving the Bruins trouble and winning in game 7.

I agree. As a B's fan I don't like this. Last year beginning of the year I picked the B's to win it all and they did. This year I picked Washington coming out of the East and either the Sharks or Vancouver out of the West. One team that I think has the drive to step it up and be hungry in the playoffs is Washington because of their past playoff failure. Kind of like how the B's had some really tough playoff loses in the past then finally overcame them last year. Washington is going to be really hungry to succeed in the playoffs and that's scary. Do they really want to be outed early in the playoffs again? It reminds me a lot of the B's and how they lost a lot of tough playoff series and had a lot of playoff heartbreak before last year. I have a sick feeling this could go 7 games and Caps could win. But as a B's fan I have to go with the B's and hope the Caps goaltending and defense will be an issue in a series against a solid team like the Bruins and the B's will come out on top. You just really never know with the Capitals because that talent can explode anytime…

Capitals in 6, Washington finally gets what they were hoping for: They have almost zero pressure to do anything. Bruins have the pressure of repeating WITHOUT Horton, Recchi or Ryder. Shocker. This will set up a Thomas trade later in the summer.

I disagree. The B's have no pressure. They already won the Cup last year. There is no pressure to repeat. If they do great if not than it's not a big deal. The scary thing is that the B's are better with the pressure. It makes them more motivated and hungry. I can see Washington having the pressure not to be another early exit in the playoffs...and I don't think that pressure is a bad thing. The B's had that pressure last year and it took them all the way to winning the Cup.

I disagree. The B's have no pressure. They already won the Cup last year. There is no pressure to repeat. If they do great if not than it's not a big deal. The scary thing is that the B's are better with the pressure. It makes them more motivated and hungry. I can see Washington having the pressure not to be another early exit in the playoffs...and I don't think that pressure is a bad thing. The B's had that pressure last year and it took them all the way to winning the Cup.

All the teams have pressure on them in the play offs but when you get the top teams Boston/Ny etc there is far more heat on them then the 7/8th place teams.

Capitals in six.

This is the big upset of round 1, Caps in 7.

This is the big upset of round 1, Caps in 7.

Agreed

Caps come out firing

All the teams have pressure on them in the play offs but when you get the top teams Boston/Ny etc there is far more heat on them then the 7/8th place teams.

Sure all the teams have pressure on them. I think teams that have been ranked the top teams in the league for a few years, but have had playoff failure year after year have a lot more pressure than say a team that just won the Stanley Cup last year. Maybe pressure is the wrong word. I think they become more motivated. I think the players feel that way too, they don't want to experience that failure again. That past failure gets to the players. I know some of the Bruins players and can't tell you how much their past playoff failures (before last year) really made them motivated to succeed in the playoffs. I think teams need to go through those tough losses in the playoffs to be stronger. And that's why I said the Capitals will feel this pressure in the playoffs and be motivated. It's a good thing, and not a bad thing at all. Sure the other top teams will have more pressure than say your 7th/8th team, who may be making their first playoff appearance, but I think some of those 7th/8th ranked teams who have been in the playoffs and top teams in the past years, but who have had failure will have the same pressure as the top ranked teams (e.g. Sharks). The Bruins while 2nd in the East don't really have too much pressure on them. They won last year and Bruins fans would like to see them repeat, but I don't think B fans here will be pissed if they don't.

B's in 7

JanelL79
Top teams do have a ton of heat on them you just can't say ok we had a great reg season the play offs are not big deal if your a top 4 teams and don't make it out of the 1st round that is not good and in some cases coaches could get fired player might be traded etc.

JanelL79
Top teams do have a ton of heat on them you just can't say ok we had a great reg season the play offs are not big deal if your a top 4 teams and don't make it out of the 1st round that is not good and in some cases coaches could get fired player might be traded etc.

I'm not saying top teams don't have pressure on them. Obviously they do. Every team does in the playoffs. What I'm saying is that teams that have been top teams in the past, but have had playoff failure year after year are going to be motivated and have that pressure on them to not fail again and I think more so than say a team that just won the Cup. The Caps like the B's in the past were President Trophy winners, had early playoff exits and that was that. Fans were disappointed, but players were not traded, and their coaches weren't fired. Same goes for the Sharks in the past. After a few years of the same old then I think the talk of players being traded and coaches being fired heats up. Agree to disagree I guess. If the Bruins loose in say 7 to the Caps in hard fought series I don't think people in Boston are going to start calling for the firing of Julien or that Thomas, Chara and Lucic or Bergeron be traded. Now if the Caps are out after 4.....what do you think is going to happen?

I'm not saying top teams don't have pressure on them. Obviously they do. Every team does in the playoffs. What I'm saying is that teams that have been top teams in the past, but have had playoff failure year after year are going to be motivated and have that pressure on them to not fail again and I think more so than say a team that just won the Cup. The Caps like the B's in the past were President Trophy winners, had early playoff exits and that was that. Fans were disappointed, but players were not traded, and their coaches weren't fired. Same goes for the Sharks in the past. After a few years of the same old then I think the talk of players being traded and coaches being fired heats up. Agree to disagree I guess. If the Bruins loose in say 7 to the Caps in hard fought series I don't think people in Boston are going to start calling for the firing of Julien or that Thomas, Chara and Lucic or Bergeron be traded. Now if the Caps are out after 4.....what do you think is going to happen?

In a close 7 games series that is one thing but if the Caps sweep them with ease you will see people upset.

In a close 7 games series that is one thing but if the Caps sweep them with ease you will see people upset.

Sure and rightfully so. But do you think that's really going to happen? The Caps sweeping the B's? I can see the B's winning in 5 or this series going 7 and the Caps pulling one out finally and then riding that emotion all the way to the ECF. I think we are going to see what the Caps are really made of finally. As a B's fan it wouldn't hurt me to see the Caps do well because I feel for them and their recent failures in the playoffs after so much regular season success. The regular season is no indication of what can happen in the playoffs though as we all know. Either the Caps are going to put it together finally or are a team that will have to think about big moves in the offseason...

I'm cheering for the Bruins, they play hockey the right way and I enjoy watching them. There's a serious goaltending mismatch in this series that I don't think the Caps can overcome.

Bruins in 5.

I'm calling an upset here. Caps in 6.

Capitals in 7.

Ovechkin goes in beast mode.

whats the status for vokun in this series??
he seems to play well against boston, the caps other goalies, not so much.

Ill be worried if vokun is able to play.

Bruins in 5.

Gabby was a great regular season coach, poor playoff coach. Dale Hunter is the wild card in this series. We know the Caps are incredibly skilled, Hunter could be the difference maker. Caps in 6.

Inb4 Joel Ward does nothing and his contract looks even more ridiculous.

If I was forced to bet, I'd say B's in 6. But the only thing that would surprise me is a Caps sweep. Should be a good series.

As a Caps fan i would definitely rather see NYR, but as they say: to be the best you have to beat the best... In the past with added pressure of the top seed Caps didn't do very well, hopefully underdog position will suite them better...
Too bad its Boston thou, i just cant hate TT... for exactly the same reason so many here dislike him, i'm talking about White House incident. I loved that he stood his ground, and exercised his freedom of choice and beliefs, regardless of what others have said.

That said i think out of 8 teams in the East (besides Pittsburgh) Washington has the best personal to give B's run for their money. C'mon OV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CAPS=Poor D, injured goalies, B's in 5.

Boston in 7.

Wanted Ottawa but I still think the Bruins should take the Caps due to the edge in goaltending and the last change with home ice advantage.

I'm sure the experts will pick this as their upset. Good. I think they picked the Bruins to lose every series last year. :)

Fun matchup.

Go Caps, I guess.

Bruins easily. 5 games.

Young Braden Holtby

21 nhl games 14-4-3 ..9.29 sv pctg and 2.02 gaa - small sample size but he's no slouch.

Most Caps fans have considered him the best of the young goalie threeheaded monster of Varlamov/Neuvirth/him.

Plays with the fire and puckhandling of a young Ron Hextall. It will be interesting to see how he performs in the playoffs. If he carries the load then the Caps will have relied on 3 different rookies in the past 4 playoff years.

Good series. Backstrom hasn't faced the Bs this year. Caps in 6 but I'm biased :)

As a B's fan I wanted Ottawa too. I just feel like the Caps are long overdue for some success in the playoffs and you just never know what you are going to get with the Caps...plus I picked the Caps beginning of the year along with the Sharks, like I picked the B's at the beginning of last year. Arggh.

Bruins in 6.

Young Braden Holtby

21 nhl games 14-4-3 ..9.29 sv pctg and 2.02 gaa - small sample size but he's no slouch.

Most Caps fans have considered him the best of the young goalie threeheaded monster of Varlamov/Neuvirth/him.

Plays with the fire and puckhandling of a young Ron Hextall. It will be interesting to see how he performs in the playoffs. If he carries the load then the Caps will have relied on 3 different rookies in the past 4 playoff years.

Good series. Backstrom hasn't faced the Bs this year. Caps in 6 but I'm biased :)


Well said.

And yes, i believe Holtby >> Neuvirth/Varlamov

I like that we got Washington for entertainment value, but it's obviously the tougher series. I'll say Boston in 6. Underachievers don't last long this time of year.

Good luck to the Caps, should be fun.

If Vokoun was healthy, I'd be a lot more negative about this series. Then again, the caps might be in 3rd if he was.

If Chara and Seidenberg can shut down Ovi, Backstrom, and Semin, along with help from Marchand-Bergeron-Seguin, then I can't see this series going on a long time. However, if we can't shut them down, it's up to Thomas. He probably won't play like he did last year.

Going to predict Bruins in 6. An iffy goaltender is the worst in the playoffs. Even if he has good potential and played alright, a la Bobrovsky, he's young and has no experience. However, it's definitely possible for the Bruins to be upset.

Bruins in 4.
Playing coward #HunterHockey doesn't suggest a victory over the current champion. Another sweep for caps guaranteed. I see no argument against Boston. I repeat my previous message in another thread: caps spot in PO looks like an obvious coincidence. Hunter is the weakest coach in the whole league, still no system over 50 games. Look at Hitchcock for comparing. Awful defense, injury prone hole-goaltending, and total mental weakness. That isn't his woe, that's GMGM's guilt. GMGM should be fired immediately after PO. Zero cap space but the roster is full of inexperienced AHLers, rookies, and overpaid sucking veterans. No balance, no system. Once he said "penguins organisation is ahead of us for two years", and all this time he has been doing blind copies of Shero steps. Crosby is a captain? No problem, Ovi is too. Bylsma is a rookie coach? No problem, BB is too (and Hunter later). Etc, etc. So he reached a deadlock. Easily lost center depth letting Fedorov and Kozlov go away, signed another PMD instead of strong SAH doubling Green in the roster, next step is signing Kaberle, huh? Now we have a stupid waste of Ovi's and Semin's best career years.

I think we are going to receive an update on Vokoun or Neuvirth before Thursday, but either of them do get 4-5 days to recover from what they have, otherwise it's Holtsanity.

:bruins

In 5.

Should be an entertaining series. The Bruins hate in this thread is pretty funny.

Bruins in 5/6

Boston's gonna wipe the floor with the Caps. Much better hockey team.Sweep.

The Bruins might be underrated??? The Bruins are the better team with the better goalie and defense. Anything is possible, but the Bruins should win. Chara can shut down Ovechkin and the Bergeron line can shut down Semin/Backstrom. As long as the Bruins stay out of the box, they should be good.

Tough match-ups for the Caps. Hopefully Ovechkin/Backstrom/Semin can pull some magic out of their *****.

I think the caps are the only team in the bot few spots that can actually upset the champs.

Ovechkin is heating up, and they got back a hell of a player in nick backstrom.

Caps have depth throughout the lineup.

This can go 7.

Bruins in 4.
Playing coward #HunterHockey doesn't suggest a victory over the current champion. Another sweep for caps guaranteed. I see no argument against Boston. I repeat my previous message in another thread: caps spot in PO looks like an obvious coincidence. Hunter is the weakest coach in the whole league, still no system over 50 games. Look at Hitchcock for comparing. Awful defense, injury prone hole-goaltending, and total mental weakness. That isn't his woe, that's GMGM's guilt. GMGM should be fired immediately after PO. Zero cap space but the roster is full of inexperienced AHLers, rookies, and overpaid sucking veterans. No balance, no system. Once he said "penguins organisation is ahead of us for two years", and all this time he has been doing blind copies of Shero steps. Crosby is a captain? No problem, Ovi is too. Bylsma is a rookie coach? No problem, BB is too (and Hunter later). Etc, etc. So he reached a deadlock. Easily lost center depth letting Fedorov and Kozlov go away, signed another PMD instead of strong SAH doubling Green in the roster, next step is signing Kaberle, huh? Now we have a stupid waste of Ovi's and Semin's best career years.

Interesting take....some valid points, but I do disagree with most of it, specifically with the B's in 4 prediction.....ps Boudreau was hired before Bylsma

Worst possible matchup for the Caps in the first round, Physical team, Tim Thomas, Defending Stanley Cup champs with the home ice and unlike a possible Rangers series the Caps don't have recent playoff success on their side. Bruins in a sweep.;)

Caps are prone to being a team in disarray and can play a VERY poor defensive system.

They should score some goals but I don't like their coaching. Would like to see them win but Ovy needs to be Ovy.

Or if Boston runs into one of those scoring droughts I think can bite them in the ass because they lack elite game breaking talent. I still doubt Washington's D system is the team to do it. They run around too much even though they can put it together and make a long run.

IMO this is tougher match up for Bruins than Ottawa would have been, that said, I think Bruins win it in six..Caps win game 2 in Boston and another in DC, Caps will certainly score some goals, but Timmy will prevail and B's will go on to round two.

Caps in 4!

Ovechkin is on fire! Backstrom is unstoppable! Wideman is a beast! Chimera is a playoff god! The goaltending is stalwart!

This one is already over. Who does Washington face in the second round?

Thomas has extra motivation to shut down Obamas team. Caps will be lucky to score 2 goals the entire series

Caps in 4!

Ovechkin is on fire! Backstrom is unstoppable! Wideman is a beast! Chimera is a playoff god! The goaltending is stalwart!

This one is already over. Who does Washington face in the second round?

I don't understand the bitter sarcasm, the fair majority of people are predicting the Bruins to win...?

bruins in 4 or 5

I think Bruins take this series, not that I don't believe in my team and I think they could pull an upset. I've said that if there is one time that will get upset it will be Boston but I don't see the Caps being able to do it. There D alone is what worries me, Boston is a big mean team that will punish them all series long. Can the Caps D hold up in order to upset the B's?

Caps in 4!

Ovechkin is on fire! Backstrom is unstoppable! Wideman is a beast! Chimera is a playoff god! The goaltending is stalwart!

This one is already over. Who does Washington face in the second round?

Yes, because this is what people were saying in this thread...

:bruins in 6

I think Bruins take this series, not that I don't believe in my team and I think they could pull an upset. I've said that if there is one time that will get upset it will be Boston but I don't see the Caps being able to do it. There D alone is what worries me, Boston is a big mean team that will punish them all series long. Can the Caps D hold up in order to upset the B's?

That's a key element here, the bruins forecheck could absolutely ravage the caps in their zone. The Bruins need to initiate and impose their will, and this will be over in about 6 games. If they play lazy and wait for the caps to come to them however, I could see it going to 7 games.

bruins in 7. washington has the better top end, but their talent dropoff is far too great to win that game 7. but hey, i guess we get to see if joel ward really earned that fat contract, no?

I don't understand the bitter sarcasm, the fair majority of people are predicting the Bruins to win...?

Apparently, EVERYONE is supposed to pick the Bruins !

If the Caps fans don't start the "YES WE CAN" chant, I will be very disappointed.

why even play the games when you can vote for them on hockeys future

I don't think you can completely count out Washington from this series, but I do think it is hard to argue that they will come out on top.

It's going to come down to who wants it more. Is Boston motivated enough to make another serious cup run? Is Washington fired up? In all honesty, Capitals do not look like much of a cup team. On paper, they're pretty damn good, on the ice... Not so much. I think the only way they will win is if Washington's bottom6 can make some magic and if the goaltender goes super saiyan. It also wouldn't hurt if Thomas/Rask let in a few softies, too.

Boston is going to keep Washington's top two lines in check. I don't expect much from Ovie, to be honest. He has been pretty beast in PO so far in his career, but Chara is gonna on him like a bad case of Herpes.

If Washington can somehow manage to get to game7, I think they can pull off a win. Anyone can, at that point. But with that said, I do firmly believe that Boston wins in 6.

Here's to hoping I'm wrong, though!

Yikes tough matchup for the Bruins. I think Washington is gonna give them some trouble, maybe even beat them.

Washington in 6.

Please win Washington.. can't stand the Bruins.

I'm hoping Ovechkin and Backstrom go in god modes. They'll need that to happen if they wanna beat the Bruins.

boston in 7

This is a series that could give the B's the early test/wake up that they need to go on another extended run. There is enough high end talent to give the B's fits but the team in general has to play consistently better to get the upset. If Holtby plays at a high level an upset is possible.

Lots of "if this goes right" on the CAPS side of the ledger. I could see the CAPS in 5 or 6 but most likely I think it will be the B's in 6.

I don't understand the bitter sarcasm, the fair majority of people are predicting the Bruins to win...?

Welcome to playoff HF. In every matchup thread, there's always a comedian who plays up an imaginary underdog card, as if his team was terribly underrated and they were gonna prove everyone wrong, even if they're the actual favorite. And it always takes the form of an "opposing team in 4" post.

Bruins in 6. They're an excellent 5 on 5 team, and unless Thomas collapses, I don't see them losing. But after what Washington went through this season, it's gonna be real interesting to see the Caps performance in this series.

Caps in 7

This could go either way. Washington seems to play well against Boston just like they do New York. I'm cheering for Boston in the East, but I wouldn't be heart broken to see Washington win it.

Series enters Game 5 tied at 2. Caps choke in typical fashion. Boston in 6. Sigh.

I like Wideman and he was excellent his last year in Boston in the playoffs.

I also have always liked Mike Knuble and thought he was going to end up on the B's by the trade deadline but we got Brian Rolston . Brian was a little tired his first two games with Boston but now he is playing very good hockey.


Timmy Thomas was looking good and confident at the last game.

B's in 6

Series enters Game 5 tied at 2. Caps choke in typical fashion. Boston in 6. Sigh.

is it really chocking if they lose in 6

is it really chocking if they lose in 6

also how is it choking when they are the underdogs? they are expected to lose, to take it to 6 games would be considered a job well done

Caps in 6.

May it be a clean, hard fought good series, and may the best team win.

Caps in 6.

is it really chocking if they lose in 6

If it is 2-2 all Caps fans will feel like we have a chance to pull it out. I believe as Caps fans we expect to see a deep playoff run sometime in the next century or so.

Seeding means nothing (in my eyes), and in all honesty I tend to feel like all series this season are a toss up. It's a whole new season.

As cool as it would be for Knuble to come in and redeem himself, he has just been so horrible this year I don't think he'll see ice time unless we are down 0-2 or 0-3 in the series and changes must be made.

Save us Ovie wan and Holtby, you're our only hope.

Holtby magic and Ovie of old makes this competitive. Caps in 6 or 7.

One sideshow that could have a major effect on the series is the offensive game of Mike Green. If he finds his Mojo, the Caps are going to start scoring goals by the bucket. He's been pretty awful offensively since coming back though, so it may take a full offseason to get him back to where he can be.

Backstrom certainly looks good, so that's a big plus for the Caps.

is it really chocking if they lose in 6

I can't believe that YOU are a Caps fan. Your avatar seriously makes me go across the street and get a slice of sweetly sauced Greek style pizza quite often. I'm getting even fatter. I hope you're happy.

Bruins in 4-5.

Wonder if Ovechkin shifts into overdrive for this one?

For fans other than the Bruins/Caps I think this is a sleeper pick for a hell of a series.

If Neely and Janney can work their regular season magic and Bourque can chip in with some offence on the blue line Boston will be tough to beat. We also need Moog to play solid in net as I don't think we can rely on Lemelin to come in in relief and play well at his age.

As for Washington, Dino Ciccarelli, Geoff Courtnall and Mike Ridley are a pretty deadly 1, 2, 3 punch. I still HATE Dale Hunter. Screw that guy! And no idea who Washington starts in goal after dressing 5 goalies this year. Mike Liut or Don Beaupre? I wouldn't want to have to rely on either of those guys...

Btw, what year is this again?

I hate the Bruins for obvious reasons, but Greg is still family.

How's Zanon been for your team, Bruins fans?

I hate the Bruins for obvious reasons, but Greg is still family.

How's Zanon been for your team, Bruins fans?

For one of the bottom pairing d-man, great.

Great at blocking shots, has adapted perfectly to our physical game, good defensively, and so on.

Great pickup. So much better then Joe Sucko. Sucked the offense and defense off the ice when he was on it. Very glad to have him on the team, and I hope we re-sign him, unless Dougie is ready to play. Still, I'd love to re-sign him.

So what has Washington ever shown the 200+ people that voted for them to win the series? Their core has won two play-off series total, over a #7 and #8 Rangers team. That's it. All of a sudden the light is going to come on and they are going to knock out the defending Cup champs? Really?

I can see the teams trading wins back and forth early with the Bruins eventually pulling away and winning in SIX.

I'm sorry but I just can't see Brayden Holtby out dueling Tim Thomas in a series.

So what has Washington ever shown the 200+ people that voted for them to win the series? Their core has won two play-off series total, over a #7 and #8 Rangers team. That's it. All of a sudden the light is going to come on and they are going to knock out the defending Cup champs? Really?

Yeah, and a team that finished last in the East took you to game 7 OT last year. Playoffs are a brand new ball game. I'm picking the Bs but it wouldn't surprise me if the Caps pulled it out.

If we went based off the past then why even play the games?

Yeah, and a team that finished last in the East took you to game 7 OT last year. Playoffs are a brand new ball game. I'm picking the Bs but it wouldn't surprise me if the Caps pulled it out.

If we went based off the past then why even play the games?

Why wouldn't it surprise you? It should shock you. Far better Caps teams then this, lead by the same core choked big time, so now all of a sudden they are going to "get it together"?

Yeah, I guess anything is possible, but to not be surprised? Child, please.

I hate the Bruins for obvious reasons, but Greg is still family.

How's Zanon been for your team, Bruins fans?

I've been really happy with his play. He blocks a ton of shots, he had 10 shot blocks in Ottawa the other night. The best part is that he takes Corvo out of the lineup

Why wouldn't it surprise you? It should shock you. Far better Caps teams then this, lead by the same core choked big time, so now all of a sudden they are going to "get it together"?

Yeah, I guess anything is possible, but to not be surprised? Child, please.

No team is unbeatable. A few years ago #7 Philly and #8 Montreal made the conference final. If anybody is "shocked" by a result in a post-lockout playoff series, they need to reexamine their knowledge of hockey.

In this scenario, the Bruins have the upper hand in playoff experience, goaltending, defense, depth, etc. You name it, they are better in it. However, the Caps have had their big 4 together for only about 15 games this season. If things start to click, there is no telling what will happen. Also, Boston has not looked too good against the Caps this year.

I'm not saying it wouldn't be an upset, but let's not act like the Caps are a totally incapable team.

Why wouldn't it surprise you? It should shock you. Far better Caps teams then this, lead by the same core choked big time, so now all of a sudden they are going to "get it together"?

Yeah, I guess anything is possible, but to not be surprised? Child, please.

In the same vein, it shouldn't surprise you that any team can win on any given night. History, standings, potential, etc, mean nothing. Who shows up? Arguments have been made either way, most bias, some objectively. The consensus is the bruins but to be shocked if it's not? I hope the bruins themselves buy into that crap.

caps in 4 or 5

:sarcasm:

So what has Washington ever shown the 200+ people that voted for them to win the series? Their core has won two play-off series total, over a #7 and #8 Rangers team. That's it. All of a sudden the light is going to come on and they are going to knock out the defending Cup champs? Really?

Bruins fans were calling for their coach to be fired, and team to be changed up to game 7 of last year's Habs series.

Most teams don't show a lot before they win it all. Other than OV, Backstrom, Semin, and Green this team isn't close to previous teams.

I hate the Bruins for obvious reasons, but Greg is still family.

How's Zanon been for your team, Bruins fans?

You're related to Greg Zanon? :amazed:

Wouldn't be surprised to see the Caps upset. Of course, that would mean their players actually show up which has been a struggle this year.

I'm starting to think the Bruins can actually upset the Caps. I'd give them a fighter's chance, at least.

I'm starting to think the Bruins can actually upset the Caps. I'd give them a fighter's chance, at least.

I'd be absolutely shocked. Caps in 3.

B's in 6.Thomas will be the difference.

You're related to Greg Zanon? :amazed:

I'm sure he's not the only poster on here related to an NHLer.

No team is unbeatable. A few years ago #7 Philly and #8 Montreal made the conference final. If anybody is "shocked" by a result in a post-lockout playoff series, they need to reexamine their knowledge of hockey.

In this scenario, the Bruins have the upper hand in playoff experience, goaltending, defense, depth, etc. You name it, they are better in it. However, the Caps have had their big 4 together for only about 15 games this season. If things start to click, there is no telling what will happen. Also, Boston has not looked too good against the Caps this year.

I'm not saying it wouldn't be an upset, but let's not act like the Caps are a totally incapable team.

In the same vein, it shouldn't surprise you that any team can win on any given night. History, standings, potential, etc, mean nothing. Who shows up? Arguments have been made either way, most bias, some objectively. The consensus is the bruins but to be shocked if it's not? I hope the bruins themselves buy into that crap.

Bruins fans were calling for their coach to be fired, and team to be changed up to game 7 of last year's Habs series.

Most teams don't show a lot before they win it all. Other than OV, Backstrom, Semin, and Green this team isn't close to previous teams.

Since the lockout 7 and 8 seeds are 4-20. In the East, the 1-2 seeds have swept every first round except for that odd 09-10 year.

So besides the Bruins being a better team, history says they have an 83% chance to win, and people are still saying they wouldn't be shocked for a Capitals win. It would absolutely be shocking.

Since the lockout 7 and 8 seeds are 4-20. In the East, the 1-2 seeds have swept every first round except for that odd 09-10 year.

So besides the Bruins being a better team, history says they have an 83% chance to win, and people are still saying they wouldn't be shocked for a Capitals win. It would absolutely be shocking.

analyze the teams, every series is different

analyze the teams, every series is different

Exactly, the Caps are hardly a typical 7 after all the injuries. And the Bruins have the same amount of points as the 6 seed even though they are the 2.

I hate the Bruins for obvious reasons, but Greg is still family.

How's Zanon been for your team, Bruins fans?

A shaky start, he was a healthy scratch but got back into the lineup and he has been solid, I think it was a good move to get him especially with Joe Corvo lurking on the depth chart.

Caps in 1.

Since the lockout 7 and 8 seeds are 4-20. In the East, the 1-2 seeds have swept every first round except for that odd 09-10 year.

So besides the Bruins being a better team, history says they have an 83% chance to win, and people are still saying they wouldn't be shocked for a Capitals win. It would absolutely be shocking.

I forgot every year the top seeds win every series. How stupid of me to even tune in, we already know how this goes. Bruins win the cup again because they won it last year. Everything will go exactly as history suggests. It's not like anything unexpected ever happens. We watch the playoffs because we like to see the same boring **** happen. Duh. I forgot. You're so smart.

Bruins fans were calling for their coach to be fired, and team to be changed up to game 7 of last year's Habs series.


Eh? I can understand there were upset people after Montreal went up 2-0, but I think most fans were pretty supportive having fought back to take the series to 7.

Having watched just about every Caps game this season, Boston should win this series in 5 easily. But the Caps have no pressure heading into the playoffs. They have underachieved (to put it nicely) all season, and been beaten up in the press throughout. That opens the door a crack for the Caps to make a little magic happen.

As a Caps fan, that would be a cool thing to witness, although I don't know if my heart can take it.

Caps in 6. ;)

Why wouldn't it surprise you? It should shock you. Far better Caps teams then this, lead by the same core choked big time, so now all of a sudden they are going to "get it together"?

Yeah, I guess anything is possible, but to not be surprised? Child, please.

If a team that pulled off one of the biggest collapses in hockey history in 2010 can come back the next year with the same core and win the cup, I'd say anything is possible all right.

I'm pulling for the Bruins, but a Caps victory wouldn't shock me in the least.

Last seasons' playoff hero Horton is a 'longshot' to play this post-season.

If Washington pulls it together, perhaps they can do something here. But i think Boston has enough fight in them to win at least one series. Although they aren't the same since January. We'll see.


TOML

So besides the Bruins being a better team, history says they have an 83% chance to win, and people are still saying they wouldn't be shocked for a Capitals win. It would absolutely be shocking.

Dude, you're a Bruins fan. You should know by now that history is made to be rewritten.

No one ever won 3 game 7s. Nearly no one comes back from 2-0, let alone twice. Almost no one wins the Stanley Cup being down 3-2.

Every single matchup last year, the Bruins were picked to lose because the opposing team was "better". History said Montreal and Vancouver would have won. You're not going far relying on history.

Bruins in 5. I can't see them getting knocked out by Washington, I really can't

With a healthy Vokoun, the Caps' playoff chances skyrocket, to an almost 50-50 level with the Bruins.

With Neuvirth or Holtby, Bruins in 4 or 5 games.

Caps in 4. Thomas with a bad series.

Ovechkin gets a couple, and Holtby steals the show if he plays.

If he is in net, I can see this being Holtby's break out party. I've always had a gut feeling watching him that he will be a money goalie one day.