5/3/22
Here we go Caps Nation. Game 1 of the playoffs today against the Florida Panthers. I’ll be honest, I’m feeling pretty confident. Out of the potential teams they could of faced, the Panthers is the team I would of wanted to play. I don’t think they would’ve done well against the Hurricanes at all, and I don’t want the Rangers until the team is feeling hot and confident in the playoffs. Here is what a dumbass like me who has no hockey experience thinks needs to happen for the Caps to win this series.
Second and Third lines need to be buzzing around. For game 1, it looks like the lines are Johanson, Backy, and Tom Wilson for the second line and Mo, Lars the tiger, and TJ Sochi for the third (Daily Faceoff). I like the full balance of those lines, and each one brings offensive and defensive prowess to them. I am concerned about the chemistry between these lines, but then again, the lines have been so mixed up all year because of injuries. I think Backy needs to lead that second line offensively and get Johanson and Tommy good looks for scoring chances. That third line needs to play hard and agressive and capitalize on Florida’s mistakes. It’s honestly loaded with offensive firepower, and although Lars and TJ aren’t the biggest guys, they play like they’re 6’6. I want to see that third line bump guys around in the neutral zone and get the Panthers off their game.
The defense needs to play smart. Nothing new has changed in the lineups for the D, but against this high powered Panthers team, they need to just play smart. Florida’s first two lines are arguably the best two lines in the NHL right now, so the Caps D needs to just disrupt them. They need to make it difficult for the Panthers to set things up in their offensive zone, and they need to be physical around the boards.
It’s VV time. Goaltending is the X-factor for how well the Caps will do in the playoffs. They have a very capable backup in Sammy but I’m nervous about both of them. I really hope Vitek just plays cool, calm, and collective. VV has been solid down the stretch in between the pipes, and I think if he gets a few good saves early, it’ll help his confidence the rest of the way.
I feel like I’m missing something…Oh ya.
KEEP FEEDING NUMBER 8. It’s that simple. Kuzy has been feeding Alex the puck all year long, and he needs to keep doing it. The Caps captain needs to get humming from the first shift, and I know he will. The pace of play will start with the Russian beast flying around, hitting guys, and shooting the shit out of the puck in the Power Play.
If the Caps can do these things, I genuinely think that the Caps can win in 6. I think the Caps can steal a game either today or Thursday, and I know from experience that Capital One Arena will be rocking the red when they get back home. I hate to bring this in as a factor, but I don’t think Florida fans will have an impact at home. It’s a small fan base, and I wouldn’t be surprised if there isn’t a couple of Caps fans making some noise. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gG9xUSVQDBE
At the end of the day, I’m super excited for tonight, at 5:30 mountain time, when the Caps have a chance to start the campaign for another Stanley Cup. As all Caps fans know, LETS GO CAPS!!!!!!
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