Eastern Conference Semifinals preview: Bolts look to strike, Caps must exorcise demons
At long last, the Eastern Conference concluded its Round 1 matchups and everyone is set for the conference semifinals to begin. The Bruins-Maple Leafs series was was every bit as good as advertised, but now that the ever-chaotic Game 7 is over, we can finally move on. Here's a look at what's in store for the Eastern Conference in Round 2.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins
Regular-season record: Boston took three out of four meetings in the regular-season series.
Big storyline heading in: These were the two best teams in the Eastern Conference all season. The Bolts were the hotter team out the gate, but the Bruins' midseason surge eventually catapulted them to the top of the division by the end of the regular season.
X-factor: Naturally, the amount of rest — or really, lack thereof for Boston — will be a focal point for the first game or two of the series, but defense and goaltending could be what makes or breaks this series. Both squads have stacked forward attacks but had nights where they gave up a ton of goals.
Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Regular-season record: The teams split the four-game regular-season series at two games apiece.
Big storyline heading in: These teams are playing each other in the playoffs for the third consecutive year so of course we're getting the same general storylines that we get every time these two teams play each other in the playoffs. It's Sid versus Ovi, the Pens have the Caps' number, is this the time Washington gets over the hump, etc., etc., etc.
X-factors: Here's where things are a bit different this time around. Both teams come in with a lot of depth, and NHL.com's Dan Rosen points to the third-line combos as the sneak attacks on each side of the ice. Be on extra lookout for centers Lars Eller (Washington) and Derick Brassard (Pittsburgh), who could make all the difference in this one.
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