Why won't Pittsburgh beat Washington in Round 2?

[NAParker77]

In today's ramblings, I suggested Pittsburgh's four-line attack will require Braden Holtby to steal the series for Washington to advance to the Conference Finals.

Why am I wrong about Pittsburgh advancing?

[metaldude26]

Because while they have four lines, the Penguins have only one defense pairing. Expect it to be a really good series though.

[NAParker77]

More here: http://www.dobberhockey.com/hockey-r...alue-april-26/

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Thanks for the quick response, Steve! Hope you're enjoying the playoffs.

I certainly won't argue Pittsburgh's blue line could be vulnerable.

[rataylor22]

I think you're seriously underselling 2 of Daley, Maatta, and Dumoulin.

[blayze]

I agree with your assessment... can't see the Caps winning this without having to rely on Holtby to steal the series (which could happen).

Pens offensive depth is scary now that they're finally reasonably healthy and peaking at the perfect time.

[Dennis4022]

Do we really need 3 threads about one series ?

[Eskimo Brother]

In today's ramblings, I suggested Pittsburgh's four-line attack will require Braden Holtby to steal the series for Washington to advance to the Conference Finals.

Why am I wrong about Pittsburgh advancing?

Not just the Holtby factor, as we would be saying that if Fleury was healthy too, but the fact it is Holtby vs. Murray swings it towards Washington in my eyes.
Also with Justin "Mr. Game 7" Williams, it should be pretty difficult to lose that one.

[newfcollins]

Not just the Holtby factor, as we would be saying that if Fleury was healthy too, but the fact it is Holtby vs. Murray swings it towards Washington in my eyes.

This. It's easy for Murray to beat a Rangers squad that doesn't have many offensive weapons. Washington is a different story.

[Eskimo Brother]

This. It's easy for Murray to beat a Rangers squad that doesn't have many offensive weapons. Washington is a different story.

That whole goaltending situation is going to be interesting to watch, and is a tough call for Mike Sullivan. Do you stick Fleury in cold (and maybe not 100%) as soon as you can because he has the experience, or do you ride Murray for a while and hope he can hold up?

[ericdaoust]

It'll be tough without Fleury but I'm sticking with my pre-playoff pick. Go Pens!

[Eskimo Brother]

It'll be tough without Fleury but I'm sticking with my pre-playoff pick. Go Pens!

Pittsburgh has done everything they could to change my mind, so it is very difficult to stick with my pick of Wsh in 7, but I think it can be done.

[Canucks_fan18]

I think Murray would have a tough time standing up to the onslaught of shots Philly faced in round one. I would say this could go either way. However if the Capitals can`t activate Kuzys line then I think the Pens depth might be their undoing. Still in Caps in 6 for me.

[JAMZ]

Let's not forget that the Caps finished the season with more goals for, fewer goals against, and a better PP and PK % than the Pens. The caps were 2nd, 2nd, 5th, and 2nd in those categories respectively in the NHL. The penguins were 3rd, 6th, 16th, and 5th respectively in those same categories. Looking at the stats, as dominating as the Pens were in their series against NYR, one might say that the Caps were equally as dominating in limiting the Flyers to 1.0 goals per game en route to victory.

I am definitely trying to root for the Caps and looking for ways to convince myself that they have the edge. In the end, I think they still have a slight edge, mostly in net, even as hot as the Pens have been.

[Bass56]

3 words:

Healthy, Crosby, Gamebreaker

[2014olympicgold]

3 words:

Healthy, Crosby, Gamebreaker

I honestly think the gamebreaker is kessel. No one could have stopped his snipe vs Lundy.