Number 1: Momentum
Tampa Bay played extremely well in games 5, 6, and 7. That comeback must have been huge to help them out. Steven Stamkos got his first playoff goal and got over that hump. If Washington lays back a little, that momentum can carry over and really kill Washington.
Number 2: Ovechkin.
He had a good series which is always good for the Caps. He needs to keep that up. Ovechkin is the leader of this team and there is nothing he wants more then a Stanley Cup. He just needs to get over this hump and he's one step closer. That excitement could not only lead to a Stanley Cup but maybe a Conn Smythe coming Ovi's way.
Number 3: Neuvirth
Michal Neuvirth has never lost a postseason series in his life. If that isn't good for the Caps I don't know what is. He kept that streak alive with the win over the Rangers. Tampa Bay shouldn't be a huge threat so that series should stay alive if he can stand strong.
Players to Watch
Washington-Mike Green (if he plays)
Mike Green missed the rest of the regular season after he took a puck to the face against Pittsburgh. He is a huge defensive help for the Caps and without him their talent ticked down a full notch. Game 5 against the Rangers, Mike Green took a puck to the face. Again. Washington fans have to hope he can play through the pain. He can help this team out dramatically.
Tampa Bay-Dwayne Roloson
How CLUTCH was this guy against Pittsburgh? Game 5, 6, and 7 he was absolutely fantastic for Tampa Bay. The best trade made this season was Dwayne Roloson to Tampa Bay. If he stands on his head like he did against Pittsburgh, don't be surprised if he is on the right end of the handshake line at the end of the series.
Prediction
Like I said Washington had close games and Roloson was fantastic. That's not enough to ignore the fact Washington is much more talented then Tampa Bay. Washington takes it in 5.
No comments:
Post a Comment