Who's next?

So while the Caps are the only team in the East to have advanced to the next round of the playoffs, they must sit and wait as the other teams continue to battle to advance and then we will see who our next opponent will be.

Buffalo (the 7th seed) had a great opportunity to put the Flyers away on Sunday as they led the series 3-2 and was winning Game 6 3-1 at home but they couldn't finish. Now that series is tied 3-3 and heading back to Philly for the deciding Game 7 tonight. I am hoping for a Buffalo win as I feel they would be the easiest team to face in Round 2. Still, I feel Buffalo blew their opportunity in Game 6 and I am expecting Philly to pull it out at home and advance.

Montreal (the 6th seed) was up in their series against Boston 2-0 but with the return of Chara have lost 3 in a row and it's looking more and more like the Bruins will advance. Frankly, I wouldn't want to face Montreal anyways.

Pittsburgh had a commanding 3-1 series lead against the Lightning but Tampa Bay blew out the Pens in Game 5 8-2 and then won Game 6 last night back in TB so they are headed for a series deciding Game 7 up in Pittsburgh tomorrow night. Not sure who is going to pull this out. Watched some of their game last night and TB certainly looked like the more relaxed and confident team. Pittsburgh looked to be pressing but they will be playing back at home. Still, I feel like the Lightning is going to pull this out.

Given that I believe Philly and Boston will win their series, we would play the winner of Pitt and TB. Frankly, despite being the higher seed (Pitt is 4 and TB is 5), I would rather face Pittsburgh. TB has star players in Stamkos, St. Louis, and Lecavalier. They also seem to be getting good goalie play from Roloson. I feel like we would welcome the opportunity to play Pittsburgh and despite our past issues with them in the playoffs, I think we would handle them this year. Again, I would be more concerned facing the Lightning.

In the end, it really doesn't matter because to be the best, you have to beat the best. Frankly, I don't think any of the teams that remain would look forward to facing the Caps. We certainly seem to be acting the part of the number 1 seed and I feel like we are ready to face who ever is handed to us.

Can't wait for Round 2!

UNLEASH THE FURY!!!