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Capitals will face Maple Leafs in first round of 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs

By Dave Stevenson

Apr 4, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Connor Carrick (8) knocks Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie (77) off of the puck during the first period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Connor Carrick (8) knocks Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie (77) off of the puck during the first period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Capitals now know their first round opponent. It will be the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

Ever since the Washington Capitals clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference, the big question has been who they will face. Facing the Caps hasn’t been something teams want to do, as there’s been a back and forth battle for the eighth seed. Washington did their part by topping the Boston Bruins on Saturday April 8. However, with the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 3-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Caps will be facing the Leafs instead.

Washington Capitals
Washington Capitals /

Washington Capitals

Boston would have been the best team for the Caps to face. They haven’t beaten goaltender Braden Holtby in three seasons and the Holtbeast has success against them in the playoffs. Moreover, the Capitals won each of their three games against Boston this season. Meanwhile, Washington won two of their games against the Maple Leafs.

Toronto will be a tougher opponent for the Caps than the Bruins. They match up against them well, as they’re one of the very few teams who can keep up with them. The Leafs are young and extremely skilled. Toronto’s a very fast team and Washington has struggled a bit against faster teams.

The Maple Leafs are led by a trio of superb rookies. Auston Matthews is the most notable, setting various franchise records in his first season. Mitch Marner and William Nylander are fine being out of the spotlight and both have 61 points. Nazem Kadri is one of the most underrated centers and one of the most effective agitators in the NHL. Tyler Bozak has quietly put up a 55 point season.

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However, Toronto’s blue line has been a bit leaky. They’ve allowed 239 goals, the most of any playoff team. The Caps will have an advantage defensively and in net. However, the Maple Leafs speed is intriguing enough to give them a non-zero chance of pulling off the upset.

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