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In this edition of the hotstove, we share our picks for the Washington Capitals vs Pittsburgh Penguins series.
Todd Cordell
I like the Penguins to get it done in 6.
They're loaded with high-end talent and they enter this series playing their best hockey. Over the last 25 games of the year, they controlled a larger percentage of the 5v5 chances than every team in the playoffs. Then they came out and put a beating on Philadelphia out-scoring them 21-9 at 5v5 and getting the better of the chances despite spending most of the time in the driver's seat.
As impressive as it was for Washington to win four straight games, three of which came on the road, they did not play overly well at 5v5. They were out-scored and out-chanced in that game state. The power play did a lot of the heavy lifting. I don't think they have enough depth to keep up with the Pens so if the latter stays reasonably disciplined, they should take care of business.
Jared Crozier
Way back in October, we did a hot stove with Stanley Cup predictions.
I picked the Capitals, stating that this season they would fly under the radar, and past disappointments had eased some of the pressure of expectation and that this would be the year they break through and surprise.
After two games of the Columbus series, I admit I had written them off, but now after coming back and winning four straight tough games agains the Blue Jackets, they got through that one.
Alas, the Blue Jackets are not the 2 time defending Stanley Cup Champions, and while I wouldn't mind seeing the Caps go on to win to make my pre-season prediction come true, I think that Sid and Co. are just too strong and the Caps will be playing the Bridesmaid once again.
Penguins in 6 games.
Adam French
I'm a student of history so I have to go with the Penguins until the Caps prove they can actually beat the Penguins. I think this will be a tight and dramatic series as per usual. The media will make up stories and present them as facts. Penguins fans will troll James Tanner's blogs and the cries of "Cindy Crysby" will be echoed in the hallowed halls of the Flyers fandom.
The keys to this series to me are quite simple.
1. Goaltending
In the regular season Holtby was mediocre. Since being given his usual place as starter he has been fantastic. He needs to continue that as the Penguins have been torching goalies left and right. Flyers goalies admittedly. Then we have Matt Murray the sophomore with two Cups. He has had an injury plagued and a rough season. He has been brilliant and he has been a sieve. If he's more sieve than brilliant they will lose. It's as simple as that.
2. Kuznetsov
If Kuznetsov continues to play well, this could be the difference from a year ago. Kuznetsov has been brutal in the playoffs. Brutal. Until this last round against the Jackets. He's the straw that stirs the drink of the Caps secondary scoring. If he goes quiet again, then the Caps will struggle.
3. Malkin's Health
The Penguins can win without Malkin. Seriously. They won without Letang last year. Their "Norris" level defenseman and 25 minute muncher. However it does cause a large match up issue. You don't get his level of brilliance on the Power Play and you lose the ability to pair and split he and Kessel at will. Riley Sheahan did some good work in his absence, but Sheahan vs Malkin is night and day.
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