In this edition of the hotstove we share our picks for tonight's two Game 7's.
Todd Cordell
I'm going with Washington over Pittsburgh.
The records may be even but the series certainly hasn't been. At 5v5, the Capitals have out-chanced the Penguins 176-98 and controlled better than 60% of the shots. The series is tied because Marc-Andre Fleury stood on his head the first few games while Braden Holtby struggled. Both goaltenders are regressing back to the norm and the Capitals are getting the wins they deserve as a result. I like the home team in this one.
Out West, I am going with the Ducks.
They were smacked around pretty convincingly last time out but I expect a rebound performance from them tonight at home. Andrej Sekera is out and, while expected to play, Oscar Klefbom is not 100%. I think the Ducks are going to get back to their game, grind the Oilers' defense down low and take advantage of the banged up bodies.
Adam French
Washington and Anaheim
I've watched every Washington vs Pittsburgh game and four of the Anaheim vs Edmonton games...the other two I fell asleep like the privileged Easterner I am.
I think aside for four periods of hockey, the Caps have outplayed the Penguins. The Penguins have certainly shown that they can capitalize on ANY chance they get, if you give them an inch. However, if Fleury was not playing for his career this series would likely be less in doubt than it seems. Whether it's Fancy Stats, Regular Stats or just plain watching the games, the Caps should win this. Should...but I've been burned before and will probably be burned again tonight. I just don't think their defense, as it stands now, can keep the Caps off the score sheet. Hainsey and Daley are train wrecks. Schultz is mediocre in his own zone when exposed without Letang. Cole is a fine defenseman, but just fine. Dumoulin has to be hurt, he's better than what he has shown this series. Maatta is okay. Then there's this Ruhwedel guy? I think the Caps have the advantage and they're on home ice.
As for Anaheim, I picked them to win this series based on their defense and that Getzlaf/Kesler could contain McDavid/RNH better than the Sharks. With the move of German Gretzky to the second line centre position...I'm less confident, but still think they can do it. Home ice has not been very good to them against the Oilers, but it is an advantage. I also think that the spanking that Edmonton had on them will be a motivator for Gibson who has not been as good as he can be. Plus something about conspiracies and Bettman and refs.
Peter Tessier Anaheim as they are due to break the curse of their game 7s. It's time to put an end to it all, all the jokes, chokes and chuckles. It's time to put their experience to work and work over the Oilers.
As for the Penguins and Capitals... well that's a bit more complicated. Who has the momentum? Who has the advantage and who is more prepared for this game 7. It's not going to be easy nor is it going to be easy to predict. In some ways, it's easy to think the pressure is all on the Capitals but they did not potentially blow a 3-1 series lead. There's lots at stake but like Anaheim the Capitals will put a bad reputation to rest.
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