by East: Eliot j. Schechter, Getty ImagesSteve Downie of tampa Bay is averaging over a point a game at the same time, an average of 10 minutes per game.
By Eliot j. Schechter, Getty ImagesSteve Downie of tampa Bay is averaging over a point a game at the same time, an average of 10 minutes per game.
Tampa Bay, Washington vs. No. 5 of paragraph 1How they got here: The Caps won Henrik Lundqvist in defeating the New York Rangers in five games. The lightning defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins in game 7 to win their first playoff series since its year of Stanley Cup 2004. Washingtonseason series: 4-1-1. Total goals: 19-10 Washington.Goalkeepers: Washington Michal Neuvirth (4-1, 1.38 goals-against average,. 946 save percentage) vs Dwayne Roloson of Tampa Bay (4-3, 1.77.949). Concern with the lack of playoff experience Neuvirth of the NHL was unjustified. He has the best goalkeeping remaining numbers. The lightning acquired Roloson because he has been around the block more than once. He is 6-0 in elimination games. Story line: The capitals are trying to prove that a Cheetah can change his spots. They changed their approach, turning a team that was willing to trade scoring chances for a team that wants to be the defensive mentality from the opening whistle to the closing of the deal. Offense Caps is still dangerous, but the difference is that these capital has the mental strength to maintain leadership. The lightning is better defensively than the League thinks they are and are strikingly confident for a team that seems to be the new kids on the block in the playoffs. While the defending team is not the fleet of foot, they understand the defensive coverage. Just ask the penguins. Meanwhile, his offensive group, which includes Martin St. Louis, Steven Stamkos, Vinny macadamian and Simon Gagne, Washington may match firepower. Who's hot: Lightning RW Steve Downie is an average of 10 minutes per game and has seven points in six games. What is not: Nicklas Backstrom Washington C has no goals and one assist. You didn't see this coming. x factor: Washington LW Alex Semin had seven goals in four games against Tampa Bay this season.Time: As Southeast Division rivals, no surprise the other team. The matchup as coach Bruce Boudreau's old school vs. new school Guy Boucher should be fun. Take Washington in six games. No. 2 Philadelphia vs. No. 3 BostonHow they got here: The flyers needed seven games to eliminate the Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins needed seven to send Montreal Canadiens golf. The flyers had to win games 6 and 7 of the game, while Boston lost game 6 and then came back to win game 7. Bostonseason series: 3-0-1. Total goals: 1-8 Boston.Goalkeepers: Brian Boucher of Philadelphia (4-1, 2.10.934) vs Tim Thomas Boston (4-3, 2.25.925). Although the situation of the goalkeeper of Philadelphia has looked shaky, Boucher has played well. He is a true professional who had special moments in his career. The concern is whether he can lead the charge for a long period. Thomas has the potential to be the superior difference maker in the series.Wounds: Philadelphia, C Jeff Carter (sprained knee) is expected to play in the series. He is officially day. RW Andreas Nodl (cut) daily. Boston, C Marc Savard (concussion) out of the season.
By Rick Stewart, Getty ImagesClaude Giroux of Philadelphia had a hand in 40% of his team's goals in the postseason.
Story line: Last year doesn't matter or not? Everyone remembers that the flyers rallied from a deficit of 3-0 series out the Bruins last season. Not that self-doubt plant in Boston or adds a layer of motivation? Handouts must be the most dynamic offensive team, but the Bruins have played as well as the flyers 5-5 in the opening round. The difference is Philadelphia had five power-play goals and Boston had none. There is pressure on Boston defenceman Tomas Kaberle to get the game to go. Both teams showed perseverance in the first round, with Boston winning the series after losing the first two games. The flyers had problems with the keeper and with prejudice Chris Pronger and they still found a way to win. Who's hot: Philadelphia C Claude Giroux is playing almost 22 minutes per game, and he has one goal, eight assists and a plus-5 rating. He was involved in 40% of the goals of handouts. What is not: Boston LW Milan Lucic was a guy 30 goals in the regular season and he has yet to score in the playoffs. x factor: Bruins rookie C Brad Marchand always seems to be the center of what is happening on the ice. Time: The flyers had the opportunity to acquire Thomas last summer and could end up regretting that decision. Take the Bruins in six games. For more information about reprints & permissions, visit our FAQ. To report corrections and clarifications, contact standards Editor Brent Jones. For consideration of publication in the newspaper, send comments to letters@usatoday.com. Include name, phone number, city and State for verification. To view our corrections, go to corrections usatoday.com. We've updated the guidelines of the conversation. Changes include a brief review of the moderation process and an explanation of how to use the "report abuse" button. Read more.
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