Eastern Conference Playoffs Rundown

Washington Capitals vs. Philadelphia Flyers

If you read my predictions a few months ago, you will know that the Washington Capitals were my underdog team to make the Playoffs. I was on pins and needles this past month waiting to see if they would make it. Well, they just had to wait until the absolute final game of the regular season to kick the Carolina Hurricanes out of the third playoff spot, and essentially out of the playoffs completely. The final race was very close in the Eastern Conference with so many teams either tied for the last few spots in the conference or within one to two points of each other.

This is the first time that Russian superstar Alexander Ovechkin finds himself in the post-season. This is his third year playing in the NHL. With all of the incredible trades that occurred right at the trade deadline, the Capitals added a few more Russians to the mix, which has helped the Capitals get to where they are now - in the post-season. Along with the championship wizardry of former AHL Hershey Bears head coach Bruce Boudreau, the Capitals are a team to contend with this post-season. Oh, and believe me, they want this win badly!

Now, my prediction that they would make it into the playoffs, does not necessarily mean I believe they will win it all, but if they do that will be one amazing feat. No matter if the Capitals win or lose in the playoffs, there are strong shouts (not whispers) throughout the league that Boudreau will be up for coach of the year at the NHL Awards. He’s done some miraculous work turning a losing team into a winner.