Washington sports fanatics were able to, yet again, experience rather customary heart palpitations throughout their first series of the NHL postseason. This is all thanks to the “Cardiac Caps” who certainly made it a wild ride through their first six games against the Columbus Blue Jackets, who have since cleaned out their lockers. The Rockin’ Red opened the series with two head-scratching losses on home ice, but convincingly led a four-game charge to seal the series, including two wins in Columbus. Did I mention four out of the six games ended in overtime, one in double overtime? Playoff hockey is certainly here.
Fast forward to the eve of round two where the Caps may not be so self-assured heading into this particular series given their hot opponent, the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Pens are seeking their third straight Stanley Cup Championship, but Washington looks to spoil their plans. Again. History is not on the Capitals’ side, as this will be the third straight year they meet Pittsburgh in the second round. The previous two years have been in favor of the Crosby-led Penguins.
Fear not, Capitals fans: your momentum is in a discernable surge! The final two games against Columbus were convincing wins and maybe most convincing of all was veteran Alex Ovechkin finding his classic grit throughout the entire series. The longtime face of the franchise scored five goals in the series, two of which came back to back in the final game to aid in sending the Blue Jackets packing. Another longtime Capital, goaltender Braden Holtby, found his mojo at the net with a ridiculous 93.7% save percentage. This would be for games two through 6, as Philip Grubauer actually started the season. Head Coach Barry Trotz would quickly remedy his misstep and put their star goalie back at the head of the rink.
If we take a look at the regular season match-ups between the Caps and Pens, you have a stalemate at two wins for each squad. This does not mean much to the latter team, as being regular season champs have never quite amounted to much, as Washington has surprisingly never advanced to the Conference Finals. This Caps/Pens series should be a hot one. Trotz and Company certainly have a chip on their shoulder and it will be interesting to see that grit come to life on skates. Game one airs tomorrow, April 26th at 7PM EST.
[…] the Washington Capitals. Everyone questioned if the Caps’ “second round curse” would end since they are used to getting knocked out so early in the playoffs. Captain Alex […]