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One from the other side...
Caps have been playing defense out of their mind. Carlson and Alzner might be playing as well as any D pair in the league. Hammrlik and Greenie have been real solid moving the puck and playing the boards. Wideman is pretty decent in the 3rd pair but his partner to me is in doubt. Schultz can mostly skate and has height but doesn't move the puck well. John Erskine brings size and grittiness, but doesn't skate well or handle the puck well. Dmitri Orlov had a pretty solid 2/3 of the season when he came up but didn't see a minute in the Boston series likely due to his lack of size. Could be interesting if he sees any ice this series. Skates real smooth, moves the puck well, has a howitzer from the point, and loves hitting.
It's already been mentioned, but Holtby has been out of his mind. I actually kind of grinned when Michael Neuvirth got hurt at the end of the year because I liked Holtby best going into the post season. I think he has great vision, moves the puck real well, and plays with so much confidence. With that said, he still makes some rookie mistakes like trying to swat away the goal the other night instead of just covering the puck.
Ovie didn't set the world on fire against Boston but that was with him dealing with Chara and Seidenberg all series. Second line with Backstrom, Johansson, and Semin can be lethal especially if your top D pairing is matched up with the Ovi, Laich, Chimera line which obviously has plenty of speed and skill as well. Beagle, Brouwer, and Hendricks are annoying as all get up. They will mix it up with you, they will do work against the boards, and all three play very well both ways especially Beagle. Beagle made a living PKing against the Bruins. Fourth line is what a fourth line is. They will forecheck you till the lights are out in the arena and as a result they force turnovers. Mike Knuble has shown some wily veteran presence, Ward has really looked good especially along the boards and Keith Aucoin skates well and like any pivot can put the puck anywhere.
That said it's going to be a great series. I don't seeing it going less than 7. I'd like to say the Caps take it, but that might be the red glasses. King Henrick scares the crap out of me but hopefully they can create enough chances skating and moving the puck well. Best of luck fellas!
LETS GO CAPS!
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