The Washington Capitals advance — much to everyone’s surprise

How do you spell relief?  D-E-F-E–N-S-E.  The Washington Capitals showed their non-believers that tough-minded defensive hockey, coupled with taking the punishment associated with hanging out in front of the net can and will win hockey games.  And, perhaps they showed that Coach Dale Hunter’s ‘system’ can work not only at the NHL level, but in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Although the Capitals had beaten the Boston Bruins three of four times during the regular season, it was clear to everyone that they were the underdog going into this matchup.  The Bruins were the reigning Stanley Cup champions, they had home ice advantage, and they led the entire league by scoring 67 more goals than they had allowed during the regular season.  Washington, on the other hand, had given up eight more goals than they had scored.  And, not to be overlooked, the Bruins had last year’s Vezina trophy winner between the pipes — Tim Thomas — who ranked in the top third of all goalies in both GAA and save perce...