Monday, April 25, 2011

Why Caps' Fans Want the Flyers to Win Game 7

Game 7 between the Buffalo Sabres and Philadelphia Flyers is a big game for more than just the two teams involved. If you're a die hard C-A-P-S fan, this game has your attention, and for good reason.

It's pretty simple. If the Sabres win, they will meet the Capitals in round two. And while Washington is 3-0-1 against the defensive-minded Sabres this year, think twice before putting your Friday paycheck on the red, white, and blue when you make your hockey picks at BetUS this week. Reasons?

The Sabres are hot. Having won 8 of their last 10 games, and taking the #2 seeded Flyers to the brink of defeat, you would be hard pressed to find a hotter team right now.

Ryan Miller is, well, he's pretty darned hot too. And all I need say about the Caps whoas when running up against a hot goaltender is Jaroslav Halak. Halak stymied a then potent Caps' offense. And having transformed into a more balanced team, it won't be nearly as difficult for Miller to get hot and do the same. Miller's first round playoff GAA isn't going to knock your socks off, but the nettie is dialing at a .925 save percentage against a Flyers' offense that led the Eastern Conference is regular season goals. Oh, and ahem, he's shut the Flyers out twice.

Whoever the Caps face in round 2, the mucking, grinding, and screening of their next nemesis netminder will be the key to every game. The Caps have been known to go complacent here and there (dare I mention their record in the last 7 series when up 3 game to 1?). So it will be up the red-faced Bruce Boudreau, and the Caps' version of Stevie Y (Jason Arnott) to keep the "young guns" heads glued on straight. It might help if Nicholas Backstrom showed up too.

For a look at more second round possible, see Katie Carrera's article at the Washington Post today.