Caps going all the way this year...

[Dacks]

Caps still haven't lost at home in 2017 after a 2-1 win over the Oil tonight.

Saving up those home losses for the second round? *coughpenguinscough*

 

[MattBNY]

I think the rangers are gonna beat them

 

[Gooch1034]

This years Caps team is better than last years team. I dont put too much into the Caps reputation as being "chokers" come playoff time and believe they are the team to beat. There are teams that could give them a good series but on paper, the Caps are the beast of the east.

 

[Dacks]

This years Caps team is better than last years team. I dont put too much into the Caps reputation as being "chokers" come playoff time and believe they are the team to beat. There are teams that could give them a good series but on paper, the Caps are the beast of the east.

They definitely are, but I think it can be challenging for teams like the Caps who are on cruise control going into the playoffs. In fact, being chased by Jackets, Pens and Rangers for top spot in the East might be really beneficial to them this year, if it keeps them motivated right until game 82.

And while I don't think history has too big an effect, I definitely think it can get into the heads of players. If the Caps have a 3-1 lead in the second round, with that elusive conference final within grasp, doubt might start seeping in. OV gets a lot of criticism, but he is pretty consistent regardless of round / game status; but will guys like Backstrom / Kuzy (who was horrible last year, points-wise) show up? The Metro looks like a gauntlet this year, with four quality teams making it for sure, and I think whichever team comes out of it will need everyone firing on all cylinders to make the conference final.

 

[Dacks]

Man, Caps really let that Metro lead slip away... anyone's division now.

I'm also not so sure 4th in the Metro (1st WC) is such a great alternative now either.... Price has really rounded into form, and Ottawa has been playing really well. And even if you win the Metro, you might face a red-hot TB.

Not so many easy outs in the East this year...

 

[esls79]

The Least = the windshield this year

 

[tducey]

They still might do it in the playoffs but this losing streak certainly isn't doing them anything this year. They're up 1-0 to Minnesota in the 2nd tonight though.

 

[dash]

Should be a good one tonight @elocomotive and @ritari330, here's hoping it's not the last meeting of our two teams this season

 

[forty_three]

Should be a good one tonight @elocomotive and @ritari330, here's hoping it's not the last meeting of our two teams this season

psh

COMIN THROUGH!

 

[dash]

Puck over glass should not be a penalty, it should be just like icing (face-off in the offending zone with no change of personnel )

 

[elocomotive]

Puck over glass should not be a penalty, it should be just like icing (face-off in the offending zone with no change of personnel )

I actually like the delay of game penalty, but if you can flip it over the glass and still get it to end up in the player's bench, there shouldn't be a penalty.

 

[dash]

Congratulations on the win tonight elocomotive, that's a damn fine team in DC.

 

[thedddd]

I actually like the delay of game penalty, but if you can flip it over the glass and still get it to end up in the player's bench, there shouldn't be a penalty.

Not that it helped last year in the playoffs.

Truthfully I don't mind it being a penalty either.

As for this season the Caps, Pens and Jackets will all fight for that home ice advantage. All three have been great at home.

 

[Darkstone42]

Puck over glass should not be a penalty, it should be just like icing (face-off in the offending zone with no change of personnel )

I'm with you on that. If you want more powerplays and more offense, just call more stick infractions. You don't even have to make up calls, they happen and are let go all the time.

 

[SoCalWizFan]

Man, Caps really let that Metro lead slip away... anyone's division now.

I'm also not so sure 4th in the Metro (1st WC) is such a great alternative now either.... Price has really rounded into form, and Ottawa has been playing really well. And even if you win the Metro, you might face a red-hot TB.

Not so many easy outs in the East this year...

Well - the Caps have been on fire since that loss to the Ducks & West Coast losing streak. They have won 7 of 8 since that time with the only loss being in OT to the Preds. They have won their last 6 & appear to have the rt attitude heading into the playoffs. Of course that is no guarantee for anything for them - we will see.

 

[Bloody Brian Burke]

The Caps need to win their next two games and clinch the division.

Wouldn't mind some guys getting low minutes or even healthy scratched for their game in Toronto on Tuesday

 

[Zooky]

 

[Wingingit]

Congrats Caps fans, President's trophy winners.



Home ice for the playoffs!

 

[BGDave]

A little early and before the all-important (sarc) trade deadline, but I am calling the Cup for the long-suffering fans of the Caps.

Solid Goalie and Dmen, 4 good forward lines, this team is solid top to bottom.

Sure, play the games out, but when the ice chips settle in late June, the Cup will be handed to Alexander the Great.

Ummm, can I take this back?

 

[Gooch1034]

My gut still tells me that the Caps are going to get it done finally. If they are behind just 1 game in any series, the media is going to focus big on their playoff history/misfortune and I believe it will motivate them that much more.

I expect OV will turn into the hockey version of "Teen Wolf" for the next 2 months.

"GIVE ME...THE CUP...OF STANLEY!!!"