The Penguins bags were packed and headed for Boston, but Eric Staal and the Hurricanes had other ideas. How would you like to be a New Jersey Devils 
fan today? King Martin Brodeur let in two goals in the final 1min30sec and the Eastern semis were set. Carolina at Boston and Pittsburgh at Washington. Ron Cook called the Penguins vs. Capitals series the sexiest match-up. I don’t like Ron Cook even using that word, but what a match-up it is!! We know the history of this rivalry.
Let’s take a look into the future. Two outstanding hockey teams – well-coached, superstars, youth, veterans, speed, offensive defensemen, shut-down defensemen, depth. This would certainly have the look of a long series. So where might the edge be that could determine the outcome of the series? As is the case so many time in the playoffs – goaltending. The Capitals had to change goalies early in the Rangers series from Theodore to Varlamov. It worked against the Rangers. Keep in mind, the Rangers had trouble scoring goals in practice this year. I don’t believe that Varlamov will be able to shut the Penguins down like he did the Rangers. If the Pens get as many scoring chances as the Rangers did, they will certainly put up some numbers against the Capitals. The Penguins have Marc Andre Fleury. He did have a few tough moments against the Flyers, but when the game was on the line, a toe, a glove, a pad – something was there to preserve victory for the Pens. The Capitals may have to go back to Theodore in this series. If they do, it will get worse for them. Penguins in 6.
That’s the view from E-11.
Hey PenQuin, Varlamov stopped more than Fleury, and the only thing Kunitz hit was the penalty bos… 😉
I look at this round as some of the best entertainment value anywhere. Then Caps have the home ice advantage, the Pens have the experince in the playoff`s, especially in goal. I`d take Marc-Andre Fleury any day of the week against a rookie netminder. Valarmov hasn`t seen the likes of the Pens offense yet. It`s going to show, and so are the hit`s that Chris Kunitz puts on Green and Poti in these games. They`re not going to like it!
LET`S GO PENS!
I don’t read Ron Cooke because he’s biased towards Penn State. I think the Pens will have no trouble scoring on the Caps goaltenders, I think Varlamov lasts 2 periods never to be seen again in these playoffs.
Ha! “The Rangers had trouble scoring goals in practice!” We should have no problem with them if the Rangers took them to seven games.
Watching the Rangers outplay the Caps last night (except for goals, of course)makes me believe that we can do well against this Capital team. It should have everything the Flyers series had an then some.