We’re finally through the first round of the NHL playoffs and the second round looks to be even more exciting. That’s saying something after already having been blessed with two game sevens in the first round. One of the most exciting match-ups of the second round is easily the Pittsburgh Penguins against the Washington Capitals and so far it’s definitely living up to the hype. If the first game is any indication of what this series has in store, we expect at least six games of high-octane hockey action.
Right Wing Alex Ovechkin file photo by Lewis Bleiman
Washington and Pittsburgh might very well be the two best teams in the playoffs, and the two finished the regular season with the first and second best records in the league, respectively. The two squads also boast some of the strongest offenses in the NHL, which leads us to believe that this series is going to be a veritable goal extravaganza. According to Gambling.com’s report, the goals per game stat is one of the most reliable statistics when it comes to predicting a game, and the numbers from game 1 only serve to reinforce this line of thinking. The Capitals are second in the league when it comes to goals per game with an even 3.0, while the Penguins are third in the NHL with 2.9. Judging from the scoreline from Game 1, the numbers don’t lie. Both teams racked up three goals leading to an overtime winner scored by T.J. Oshie and a 4-3 Capitals win.
The two teams boast some of the most talented rosters in the NHL with a number of All-Stars making up each side. But one Yahoo! Sports article points out that not only does Washington have a dominating offense but the team is also a strong defensive side. Tough players such as John Carlson, Matt Niskanen and Justin Williams are all adding much-needed stopping power to the team. The Caps only allowed 2.3 goals against during the regular season, which put them second in the NHL for defense. That just goes to show how much of a complete package this Capitals team is this year. If Washington can manage to shake off its past demons and avoid an early exit, there’s no reason this team shouldn’t be able to finally lift the Stanley Cup this year.
The Penguins, for their part, have been playing terrific hockey with Sidney Crosby living up to his potential after a shaky start to the season. Additionally, the team has been forced to play without star veteran goalkeeper Marc-Andre Fleury, instead putting rookie Matt Murray between the sticks. Murray has performed admirably in his first playoff appearances, and is already looking like a future star we’ll be seeing much of for years to come. However, the question remains as to whether or not Murray will be able to outlast the offensive juggernaut that is the Washington Capitals.
We’re ultimately inclined to side with the News-Optimist prediction that has Washington taking the series against Pittsburgh in six games. The Penguins will definitely give the Caps a run for their money, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see them drag the series out to seven games. However, the depth and experience of Washington will likely win out in the end.
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