Ryan Wilson: It is Washington's series to lose It is Washington's series to lose

The psychological edge has shifted! It's official, blog on HB says so.

I didn't read it but eat poop Wilson

I didn't read it but eat poop Wilson
- dbell646

bump

This is the only series I might miss Murray in. Marc is just fine but Murray dominated the caps last year. He was only decent the rest of the playoffs but warshington was his coming out party.

I don't know if Wash has that big of an edge on D, yea maybe based on numbers and fancy charts but watching every game of both series, Washington's Defense was having a heck of a time containing the speedy leafs. The pens are basically and upgraded version of the Leafs and we can finish our plays, soo why will it be any different.
Also, yea not having letang is big buuutt guess who gets thrown off their game more than anyone else when we play the Caps...mister 58. so maybe its a wash out from that perspective because tanger always got way to caught up in the yapping and chasing and always took dumb penalties against them. so I guess we will see but Im not overly concerned by any means

I don't know if Wash has that big of an edge on D, yea maybe based on numbers and fancy charts but watching every game of both series, Washington's Defense was having a heck of a time containing the speedy leafs. The pens are basically and upgraded version of the Leafs and we can finish our plays, soo why will it be any different.
Also, yea not having letang is big buuutt guess who gets thrown off their game more than anyone else when we play the Caps...mister 58. so maybe its a wash out from that perspective because tanger always got way to caught up in the yapping and chasing and always took dumb penalties against them. so I guess we will see but Im not overly concerned by any means
- Braximous

The speed narrative needs to die.

The speed narrative needs to die.
- Blackstrom2

Beat us and it will.

Beat us and it will.
- Victoro311

Point right over your head.

Point right over your head.
- Blackstrom2

Pens in 6. Look at the first round stats. Washington didn't play great, one could say they played down to their opponent. Luckily the Leafs played well.

The speed narrative needs to die.
- Blackstrom2

If the skates fit then wear them.

The speed narrative needs to die.
- Blackstrom2

It's so misused and overblown

Pens in 6. Look at the first round stats. Washington didn't play great, one could say they played down to their opponent. Luckily the Leafs played well.
- seaofgreen

So which one was it? The Leafs played well or Washington played down to their opponent?

I don't know if Wash has that big of an edge on D, yea maybe based on numbers and fancy charts but watching every game of both series, Washington's Defense was having a heck of a time containing the speedy leafs. The pens are basically and upgraded version of the Leafs and we can finish our plays, soo why will it be any different.
Also, yea not having letang is big buuutt guess who gets thrown off their game more than anyone else when we play the Caps...mister 58. so maybe its a wash out from that perspective because tanger always got way to caught up in the yapping and chasing and always took dumb penalties against them. so I guess we will see but Im not overly concerned by any means
- Braximous

The caps have 3 first pairing defenseman. They have a huge advantage on D.

So which one was it? The Leafs played well or Washington played down to their opponent?
- Matthews_Auston

Maybe they met in the middle.

The caps have 3 first pairing defenseman. They have a huge advantage on D.
- j.boyd919

Two of them are prone to rather mind-numbing gaffes though, and with how deadly the Pens are at converting, this is where I'm worried.... Not about "speed".

So which one was it? The Leafs played well or Washington played down to their opponent?
- Matthews_Auston

Both, that is why every game was so great! Love the Leafs. I was just trying to say I feel like Washington's play wasn't anything special, but the Leafs played with the belief they could beat them.

Pens in 6. Look at the first round stats. Washington didn't play great, one could say they played down to their opponent. Luckily the Leafs played well.
- seaofgreen

I mean, if we're looking at first round stats...

Two of them are prone to rather mind-numbing gaffes though, and with how deadly the Pens are at converting, this is where I'm worried.... Not about "speed".
- Blackstrom2

While I do agree.. but.. the Pens "no. 1 dman" is Justin Schultz. I like the guy a lot. And he definitely broke out this year buuuut... It's Justin Schultz. Whether or not they make big mistakes.. you still have 3 guys capable of being no. 1 D on any team. That's a big advantage.

I'm having a hard time believing that Washington has more offensive talent than the Pens. Pittsburgh scored more goals than them in the regular season and so far in the post season we are averaging 4.2 goals per game they are averaging 3 goals per game. We achieved this going against 1 of only 2 teams to allow under 200 goals this season, against a goalie who will probably win the Vezina. Washington could only muster their numbers against one of the worst defensive teams in the league. It will be an interesting series to watch because I believe these teams are polar opposites of each other. Washington wins games based on defense and goaltending. Pittsburgh wins games by scoring goals, should be fun to watch.

While I do agree.. but.. the Pens "no. 1 dman" is Justin Schultz. I like the guy a lot. And he definitely broke out this year buuuut... It's Justin Schultz. Whether or not they make big mistakes.. you still have 3 guys capable of being no. 1 D on any team. That's a big advantage.
- j.boyd919

The way I kind of see it, is that the Caps are probably going to win the shot metric battle here, but that will get leveled out when the Caps commit a mistake and the Pens are able to capitalize. Pens are going to be able to get Malkin or Crosby or Kessel out against Alzner and/or Orpik at some point.

The caps have 3 first pairing defenseman. They have a huge advantage on D.
- j.boyd919

Can you define what makes a 1st pairing defenseman? (not trying to be a smartass) Just need a better understanding of how one qualifies for that designation.

Can you define what makes a 1st pairing defenseman? (not trying to be a smartass) Just need a better understanding of how one qualifies for that designation.
- seaofgreen

He's referring to Niskanen, Carlson, and Shattenkirk.

Much like the Columbus series it will be D by committee. The forwards will have to come back more. Problem is, the sitting back approach vs the Jackets is very dangerous against an offensively gifted and dangerous team like the Caps. They can convert and capitalise much more efficiently.

If Fleury sh!ts the bed early this could be a very quick series...or ...it could be another coming out for party for another young relatively unknown goalie...

A call here and a bounce there and who knows but there's no denying the Pens are underdogs this year.