2016-2017 NHL Season

[Jack Lambert]

Both teams have some factors in their favor. The Penguins have a lot of experience and savvy gained from last year's successful playoff run. And they've had Washington's number in the playoffs seemingly forever, to the point that the Capitals must feel jinxed against them. They have the best offensive talent of any team, and despite all the injuries they've had they still had a great regular season and knocked off the Blue Jackets in five games. But they have some notable negatives that they didn't have against Washington last year -- Matt Murray is still injured and Marc-Andre Fleury has become a league-wide joke in the playoffs to everyone but the Pittsburgh media. Fleury will need to continue to play above expectations at home like he did in the first round and help win at least one game on the road, though the Capitals have notably better finishers than Columbus. They may need Murray to be healthy enough to play at least part of the series to have a legitimate chance. And Kris Letang is done for the playoffs, and Karl Hagelin, their fastest and best-checking forward, is also still injured.

Washington won the President's Cup for the second straight year and is loaded on paper. But they struggled against Toronto, though that may have made them more battle hardened for the series against Pittsburgh. Motivation won't be an issue that's for sure. This could be their year of destiny after so many playoff disappointments, but if they lose again, in the second round again and to their arch-nemesis, the team is likely to be overhauled in the offseason as a lot of big names will become free agents. There'll be a tremendous amount of pressure on Washington to win.

The Capitals are the team that worries me the most. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I regard this series as the real Stanley Cup final, though that may be underestimating Anaheim, St. Louis and Nashville, who all looked very strong in the first round. I think either Washington will exorcise their quarter-century plus of playoff demons against the Penguins and dominate the series and win easily, or else the Pens will win in a very closely contested six or seven games.

Good post, Don! If Fleury plays like he did on the road against Columbus, this series is done before it can even get started. The loss of Letang is going to hurt; it's very difficult to replace a guy like him on the ice. I was hoping Hagelin would be back by this point, but it seems like Kunitz has a better shot at returning than he does.

I'm really hoping Murray will be ready for at least Game 4-5. If Pittsburgh is going to have any chance on the road in the first two games, either Fleury is going to have to play better than he has been away from home, or the Pen's offense is going to need to be clicking on all cylinders. I feel that with Fleury in net, the Penguins are going to need at least 4 goals minimum to have a chance in Washington. However, Bobrovsky will probably win the Vezina award as the NHL's best goalie, and Pittsburgh looked great against him; I'm hoping they'll look the same away against Holtby. It'd be huge if the Penguins can somehow manage to steal one of the first two games.

I think whomever wins this series will go on to win the Stanley Cup. Even though, as Don said, there are some Western teams that looked impressive, I feel that the Penguins and Capitals are the best two teams in the NHL. I'm hoping for a good series, with the Penguins coming out on top, of course .

 

[Don Wassall]

San Jose's Joe Thornton played the series against Edmonton with a torn ACL and torn MCL. He had surgery Monday.

Hockey players are the true warriors in professional sports today.

 

[Jack Lambert]

What a win for the Penguins tonight, stealing one on the road in Washington! Nick Bonino had the game-winner in the 3rd, and Crosby netted two quick ones in the 2nd to give the Penguins a 3-2 win. The Capitals were putting on the pressure at the end of the game, and Fleury was spectacular tonight in stone-walling the Capitals in the 3rd. It was a great game; if the rest of them are like this, it'll be a great series.

This game was a much better alternative to the NFL draft.

 

[Don Wassall]

What a win for the Penguins tonight, stealing one on the road in Washington! Nick Bonino had the game-winner in the 3rd, and Crosby netted two quick ones in the 2nd to give the Penguins a 3-2 win. The Capitals were putting on the pressure at the end of the game, and Fleury was spectacular tonight in stone-walling the Capitals in the 3rd. It was a great game; if the rest of them are like this, it'll be a great series.

This game was a much better alternative to the NFL draft.

Yeah, I ended up watching it almost exclusively over the NFL draft.

The Penguins have so far reversed their formula from last year in the playoffs. Last year they dominated time of possession and shots on goal; so far this year they've been the team dominated in those two categories. Their finishing ability is winning them games but they need to improve their breakout and possession time in the offensive zone to win this series. They did that pretty well in the first period but the Caps dominated the second and third periods. But the great Sidney Crosby's two quick goals and Bonino's breakaway goal was enough. Fleury played very well too, I hope he can keep it up. If the Penguins can survive the heavy hitting Capitals after beating the very physical Blue Jackets I really like their chances of repeating.

 

[Jack Lambert]

Yeah, I ended up watching it almost exclusively over the NFL draft.

The Penguins have so far reversed their formula from last year in the playoffs. Last year they dominated time of possession and shots on goal; so far this year they've been the team dominated in those two categories. Their finishing ability is winning them games but they need to improve their breakout and possession time in the offensive zone to win this series. They did that pretty well in the first period but the Caps dominated the second and third periods. But the great Sidney Crosby's two quick goals and Bonino's breakaway goal was enough. Fleury played very well too, I hope he can keep it up. If the Penguins can survive the heavy hitting Capitals after beating the very physical Blue Jackets I really like their chances of repeating.

Agreed. No offense to Ottawa and New York, but the Pens and Capitals are definitely above them in terms of depth and talent. If the Pens play in their zone like that the rest of the series, I don't think they'll win. Like you said, they have to get out and get more time in the Capitals' zone. I don't care how good Fleury and the defense is playing, if you give a team like the Capitals pretty much two periods in your zone, they're more likely going to win most of those games. The Penguins have home ice now, which gives them the advantage for now. I'm hoping they are able to break out a bit more in Game 2, as the Capitals will come out firing tomorrow night.

 

[Jack Lambert]

Pittsburgh should be getting a boost, as it sounds like Carl Hagelin will be returning tonight. He's going to be a game-time decision tonight. He brings a lot of speed back into the Pens' lineup, which is going to be welcome.

 

[Don Wassall]

The Penguins need to play this game as if it's Game 7. Win it and they almost certainly win the series; lose and the Caps are right back in it.

 

[Jack Lambert]

I agree. It'll be very hard for Washington to win in Pittsburgh twice. I'm hoping the Pens come out tonight and win. They need to match Washington's intensity.

Also, what a game between the Rangers and Senators!!! Both teams are all-white to my knowledge. If more games have those types of goal scoring numbers, I think the NHL ratings will start to rise again.

The last "big name" black in the playoffs is the Predators' PK Subban.

 

[Riggins44]

The Capitals really came out intense in the first period. Amazing job by Fleury to not let any of that multitude of shots through. However if the Caps keep up the pressure like this a few of those shots are going to score.

The Caps absolutely have to win this game. Like Don said if they win they are right back in it. If not it is basically over.

 

[Don Wassall]

Marc-Andre Fleury was sensational again, saving his team in the first period against Washington's onslaught. In the second and third periods the Penguins played much better and again were great at finishing scoring opportunities. Holtby was lousy; very few people expected him to be thoroughly outplayed by Fleury through the first two games. Fleury's channeling 2008 and '09, when he was an excellent playoff goalie before it all went to hell, hope he can keep it going.

 

[Jack Lambert]

I'm also hoping Fleury will be able to keep his great play up; that first period was something to behold. The Capitals came out firing and with the determination I thought they would. After Pittsburgh scored on several odd man opportunities from breakaways out of their zone. I think the goals from Kessel and Guentzel on those odd man rushes in the second period that made it 3-1 seem to take the wind out of the Capitals' sails.

The Pens now have the advantage in the series, but I'm never going to count a talented team like the Capitals out. I'm hoping the Pens can come out and play inspired, as the Capitals are sure to come out playing desperate on Monday in Pittsburgh.

 

[Riggins44]

The Caps just can't seem to get past the psychological hurdle of beating the Penguins in the playoffs. Last night Fleury did play great in that first period, but even though the Caps outshot the Pens by a wide margin, Washington looked to be desperate and flailing at the puck alot and some of their shots didn't have much of a chance. Whereas when the Pens got an opportunity, they looked more calm and collected and capitalized on their chances, especially Kessel and Crosby. Crosby's one play where he knocked the puck between his legs in mid stride and then set up another player for a goal was sensational.

Washington's chances of coming back at this point have to be very low, maybe less than 10%.

 

[Don Wassall]

The Caps just can't seem to get past the psychological hurdle of beating the Penguins in the playoffs. Last night Fleury did play great in that first period, but even though the Caps outshot the Pens by a wide margin, Washington looked to be desperate and flailing at the puck alot and some of their shots didn't have much of a chance. Whereas when the Pens got an opportunity, they looked more calm and collected and capitalized on their chances, especially Kessel and Crosby. Crosby's one play where he knocked the puck between his legs in mid stride and then set up another player for a goal was sensational.

Washington's chances of coming back at this point have to be very low, maybe less than 10%.

That's a good analysis. Eddie Olczyk was pointing out plays where a Capitals player would have been better off passing to a teammate on the other side of the net rather than just blasting away while Fleury was in position to make the stop. It's like they were too fired up in the first period to take full advantage in spite of their amazing territorial dominance.

But like Jack Lambert says, I don't think many Penguins fans are counting Washington out yet. The fact that they can even tilt the ice that much shows how good they are.

 

[Riggins44]

After I wrote the above post I read an article in the Washington Compost that said there have been 87 NHL playoff series where the home team lost the first 2 games of the series, and in 18 of those they came back to win the series. Which is about 22%, which surprised me it was that high. So the Caps' chances aren't quite as bad as you might think, but it's still a long shot.

 

[Jack Lambert]

Well, the Capitals are right back in the series, winning Game 3 in Pittsburgh. There has been a lot of controversy regarding an Ovechkin slash and a Niskanen hit on Sidney Crosby. Crosby (and Conor Sheary) now has a concussion (which is bad, given his history) and will be out for at least Game 4. Being a Penguins fan, I was very upset with that sequence. The Penguins actually fought back fairly well after the initial shock of losing their captain and leader wore off, and managed to get the game into OT. Fleury and Holtby were both phenomenal. If Pittsburgh's going to win, they're going to need to cut down on ridiculous penalties, which they got a lot of in Game 3. I think they lost their composure a bit after Crosby was knocked out, and it took them awhile to get it back.

It'll be interesting to see what happens in Game 4. If Washington wins, I think they'll win the series unless Crosby can come back. If Pittsburgh can come out and make it a 3-1 series lead, I like their chances. Malkin (who usually plays well without Crosby in the lineup), Kessel, and Fleury are really going to have to step up and lead the team in Crosby's absence. They've got a lot of depth, and that's going to definitely be put to the test now.

 

[Don Wassall]

It was sickening to see Crosby taken out like that. The NHL needs to start coming down really hard on vicious cross checking. Fighting's mild compared to the damage that can be done with those sticks, whatever they're made out of. It's the equivalent of deliberate helmet to helmet, helmet to body and body to helmet hits in football and maybe worse.

Crosby missed the equivalent of a full season because of a previous concussion, and missed the first six games of the current regular season because of one. I know a lot of fans think this one was intentional by a desperate Capitals team and a lot of fans don't, depending on which team they're rooting for, but it's really a shame when a superstar in his prime with a history of concussions gets walloped like that. I want to see Crosby, Malkin, Kessel, Ovechkin, Backstrom, Oshie and the rest of the stars deciding the series, not have it turn on injuries. The Penguins were already missing their number one defenseman and number one goalie; if they still manage to win over Washington without Crosby it'll be a hell of an accomplishment.

 

[Jack Lambert]

And yet, neither Niskanen nor Ovechkin got a suspension hearing from the NHL at all. Obivously, I'm a bit biased, but I thought it was a bit weird that Washington suddenly decides to dress 7 defensemen for the game, and then have Crosby get taken out like that and Niskanen ejected. Now, I know Alzner just came back, but still. Maybe it was all circumstance, but it just seems a bit off to me, considering the Capitals' coach said it was a "hockey play."

 

[Don Wassall]

Great gut check win by the Penguins tonight minus Sidney Crosby to go up 3-1 over Washington. They're missing important pieces of their team but have the hearts of champions.

 

[Jack Lambert]

I couldn't agree more Don!! I've been a Penguins fan for awhile, since before the 2009 Stanley Cup run, and this is one of their better postseason wins in my book. It's great to see Fleury (thus far) channeling his 2008-2009 form and putting the team on his shoulders with Crosby, Letang and Murray out. He made some impressive plays again tonight to help the Penguins to a Game 4 win and a 3-1 series lead. It was great to see the entire team out there blocking shots and doing whatever it took to help Pittsburgh get a win tonight. I love seeing that kind of effort out of the Penguins; Sullivan has truly changed the culture in Pittsburgh to a "team first" mentality. It was a great rebound game from Game 3.

 

[Jack Lambert]

Crosby is already skating today, so hopefully that's a good sign that he's progressing well from his concussion. It'll be interesting to see what happens in Game 5 Saturday night. I think if Pittsburgh is going to have any chance to win, they need to play better than Wednesday. They had way too many turnovers and gave Washington a lot of easy chances; Fleury played great in bailing Pittsburgh out of several of those situations.

Regarding other series, Anaheim got two big wins on the road in Edmonton to even their series at 2-2. Ryan Getzlaf had the OT winner in a 4-3 contest last night. Impressive showing by the Ducks on the road the past couple of games.

The Rangers also just clubbed Ottawa at home tonight to even their series at 2-2 as well, with the home teams winning both of their games.

Nashville has been playing some of the best hockey out of anybody this postseason, and have a 3-1 lead over the Blues. The media has been mentioning Subban a lot this postseason, but I haven't been able to watch them this year, so I'm not sure if they're exaggerating much or not.

 

[Riggins44]

The Capitals come back with 3 goals in the final period to win Game Five 4-2. It is now a new series.

Game 6 in Pittsburgh on Monday night should be a great one.

 

[Don Wassall]

The Capitals come back with 3 goals in the final period to win Game Five 4-2. It is now a new series.

Game 6 in Pittsburgh on Monday night should be a great one.

Great gut check reply by the Caps in the third period. Looked good for Pitt going into the 3rd period but for sure it'll be a bitter fight to the end now.

 

[Riggins44]

With the playoff history of these two teams facing each other if I was a betting man I would go with the Penguins, but that is why they play the game. Can't wait for the nail-bitter on Monday night.

 

[Jack Lambert]

Good win for the Capitals in Game 5. Looking forward to what is sure to be a great Game 6 Monday. The Caps have the momentum after Saturday's game, but the Penguins have been great at home so far this postseason, and the Caps have to face a (relatively) healthy Crosby at home on Monday for the first time this series as well. The Caps are sure to come out firing again, and the Penguins are going to have to play like it's Game 7 and match them. Their chances of winning the series go down significantly if the series goes back to Washington for Game 7. But they've won two on the road already, so we'll see what happens. Either way, should be some great game(s) to end the series.

 

[Don Wassall]

Nashville beats St. Louis in 6 games, the first time that franchise has advanced into the conference final. One of the things I like about the NHL is that it has teams in cities that don't have any other pro teams in the NFL, NBA and MLB -- Nashville, Columbus, San Jose, and of course the six Canadian cities other than Toronto. However it does mean a continuing heavy dose of undeserved Subban-mania from the media.

Edmonton bounces back from blowing a 3-0 lead at the end of Game 5 to crush Anaheim at home 7-1 and force a seventh game. Edmonton has a lot of young players with fresh legs and they skated circles around the Ducks in this one. Should be a classic Game 7 on Wednesday.