noles367's Blog
Here we are again. The Cats are back in the playoffs. After a dream-like season last year, everyone has their eyes set on winning the Stanley Cup this season. But lets not get ahead of ourselves. It all starts with advancing in Round One.
Awaiting Florida will be the Washington Capitals. Yes, those Capitals. No lack of familiarity here. The Cats and Caps have been involved in some memorable games over the last two years. The Panthers have come out on the better side of things however, only losing twice to the Caps in that span.
This will be the dreaded 4-5 matchup. We've seen alot of Cup finalists come from this position over the last few years, but obviously its always a tough first round opponent. The Hurricanes had a breakout year and took the Southeast, so this is the hand the Panthers have been dealt.
Despite the seedings, the Panthers finished a whopping 29 points ahead of the Caps. The Panthers, Rangers, and Canes are all head and shoulders above the rest of the conference as far as points go. Still Washington had a solid season and they are essentially the 4th best team in the East.
Awaiting Florida will be the Washington Capitals. Yes, those Capitals. No lack of familiarity here. The Cats and Caps have been involved in some memorable games over the last two years. The Panthers have come out on the better side of things however, only losing twice to the Caps in that span.
This will be the dreaded 4-5 matchup. We've seen alot of Cup finalists come from this position over the last few years, but obviously its always a tough first round opponent. The Hurricanes had a breakout year and took the Southeast, so this is the hand the Panthers have been dealt.
Despite the seedings, the Panthers finished a whopping 29 points ahead of the Caps. The Panthers, Rangers, and Canes are all head and shoulders above the rest of the conference as far as points go. Still Washington had a solid season and they are essentially the 4th best team in the East.
OFFENSE
It all starts with #8
The first thought in your mind should be Alex Ovechkin. He's had an up and down few years. He scored 58 goals two years ago, but this season he dropped down to 37. He's still one of the best goal scorers in the league. Shutting him down will be priority number one.
Overall, it was a down year offensively for the Caps. Ovi came in at 66 points to lead the team. Only Nick Backstrom had more than 50 points, then the next highest on the list is John Carlson at 35.
Still they were 4th in the East in goal scoring behind the likes of the top 3 teams. They added Ryan O'Reilly and Jamie McGinn during the offseason and they have proved to be solid young pickups.
Bottom line, they may not be the high-scoring Caps of a few years ago, but this team still has plenty of firepower.
This will make for an interesting matchup. It's always fun when teams from the same division square off in the playoffs. We see the 4-5 matchup, but it really doesn't feel that way. In our minds, it was a down year for the East except for the top 3 teams.
But Florida finished 3rd amongst those teams and will no doubt have the toughest road. It starts with taking care of business against an above average but talented team. We aren't one for making predictions here, but if we did we would think Florida takes this one in 5 games or less.
Overall, it was a down year offensively for the Caps. Ovi came in at 66 points to lead the team. Only Nick Backstrom had more than 50 points, then the next highest on the list is John Carlson at 35.
Still they were 4th in the East in goal scoring behind the likes of the top 3 teams. They added Ryan O'Reilly and Jamie McGinn during the offseason and they have proved to be solid young pickups.
Bottom line, they may not be the high-scoring Caps of a few years ago, but this team still has plenty of firepower.
DEFENSE
To think, this guy was almost a Panther
To think, this guy was almost a Panther
We're not one to make homophobic comments on this blog. But if we did, they would be about Mike Green. Not much to like about the guy.
Lots of talk in the offseason about a potential Green-for-Ellerby swap. And honestly, as skilled offensively as Green is, we are very happy the trade fell through. Even if Ellerby leaves as a free agent this summer, he has been on complete lockdown mode.
But on to the Caps D. Yes, they have Green. John Carlson as we mentioned had a pretty good season with 35 points. They picked up Matthias Ekholm from Nashville in the offseason and he has proved to be a solid young player on their blue line.
Then you have the Alzner and Regher who are shut down guys. These guys are gonna give the Caps their best shot at making this a competitive series. They need to stop the Panthers top offensive threats, which will be a tough task to say the least.
Lots of talk in the offseason about a potential Green-for-Ellerby swap. And honestly, as skilled offensively as Green is, we are very happy the trade fell through. Even if Ellerby leaves as a free agent this summer, he has been on complete lockdown mode.
But on to the Caps D. Yes, they have Green. John Carlson as we mentioned had a pretty good season with 35 points. They picked up Matthias Ekholm from Nashville in the offseason and he has proved to be a solid young player on their blue line.
Then you have the Alzner and Regher who are shut down guys. These guys are gonna give the Caps their best shot at making this a competitive series. They need to stop the Panthers top offensive threats, which will be a tough task to say the least.
GOALTENDING
Jury still out if this is a man or a woman
Jury still out if this is a man or a woman
The hopes and prayers of our nation's Capital lie in the hands of Michal Neuvirth. Despite is feminine appearance, Neuvirth had a solid 14-15 campagin with a GAA of just above 2. He was able to allow about half a goal less per game while winning 37 games for the second year in a row.
Compared to the whole league, we would say he had a top 10 season. He had a respectable 11 shutouts. Still, the thing in our minds and I'm sure Capitals fans minds, is last years playoff loss to Tampa Bay. It seemed like Washington was set to make a run in the East and shaky goaltending ended their season early.
Compared to the whole league, we would say he had a top 10 season. He had a respectable 11 shutouts. Still, the thing in our minds and I'm sure Capitals fans minds, is last years playoff loss to Tampa Bay. It seemed like Washington was set to make a run in the East and shaky goaltending ended their season early.
SUMMARY
This will make for an interesting matchup. It's always fun when teams from the same division square off in the playoffs. We see the 4-5 matchup, but it really doesn't feel that way. In our minds, it was a down year for the East except for the top 3 teams.
But Florida finished 3rd amongst those teams and will no doubt have the toughest road. It starts with taking care of business against an above average but talented team. We aren't one for making predictions here, but if we did we would think Florida takes this one in 5 games or less.
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