Playoffs start Wednesday with the Caps hosting the Rangers in Game 1 of Round 1. This is the moment that we have been waiting for since the disappointing first round exit from last year.
The regular season was almost a formality and now it is time for redemption. The Caps fought hard in the latter part of the season and earned the top seed. Their reward is the Rangers. I would have preferred to have played the Sabres or Hurricanes (the two other possible teams we could have played). However, to be a champion you have to be able to beat who ever you are scheduled to play.
Keys to the game will include:
1. Goaltending: Neuvy gets the nod and he was very good during the season. However, he is a rookie so we'll see how he handles the large stage. The positive is that he has taken the Hershey Bears to multiple AHL championships so he is familiar with championship hockey but again, this is the NHL and the lights and stage will be much grander. The Rangers on the other hand have Henrik Lundqvist who is a workhorse and strong veteran presence that will be able to provide solid leadership. While Neuvy gets the nod, I won't be surprised in the least if Varly gets the call should Neuvy struggle. The leash will be short.
2. Will Semin show up? Semin was pretty much non existent in the playoffs last year. Should he struggle early on, you can bet that story line will pop back up. The best thing that can happen for Semin is for the Caps to win the first game and Semin be a strong offensive contributor. When he is on, he is one of the most talented players in hockey. However, he can go stretches where he struggles, gets frustrated, and ultimately disappears. I think the addition of Arnott has been huge for Semin and I expect much better play from him this post season.
3. Ovie. Can't talk about keys to the game without talking about Ovie. The guy often times puts too much on himself and can also start pressing. No one wants to win more than this guy but he does seem to have matured this season and understood and accepted his role. He is more of a team player as opposed to trying to be the hero. He needs to continue to play within the system and not get carried away.
4. Mike Green. Greenie is coming back from a concussion that he sustained against the Rangers back in February. It's going to be tough for him to step back into the rotation in the playoffs. Also, his play the last couple of years in the playoffs has been inconsistent. With Wideman out, it will be even more critical for Greenie to be solid. He typically leads the team in minutes and Wideman seemed to take over the role Green was playing so it will be interesting to see how he steps back into his role.
5. Special teams. Both teams are solid in 5 v. 5 play so special teams are going to be critical. Our PK has been stellar all year and the PP seemed to come to life in the latter part of the season so I feel pretty good about this.
In the end, we HAVE to win this series. We are playing our best hockey of the season now and the window is wide open for us. I feel like the Caps have matured and are ready for this moment. Even last year, as great as they were, I said all year that we are a year away. That time is now. We have a great mix of youth and vets and the younger guys have all played for a few years now and have played in the playoffs before. There should be no surprises this year. I believe the team understands this moment and understands what it takes to win and understands that this will be tough and ther is a mission that needs to be completed. It all starts on Wednesday evening.
UNLEASH THE FURY!!!
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