Washington Capitals: Who Do You Want To Play In The Playoffs

Fun fact! The Song “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” was not written about Christmas. It was written about the National Hockey League playoffs. That is only a complete lie, but I think a lot of people can agree with me that the playoffs could in fact be the best time of the year, at least for hockey fans.

That time of the year, while a little delayed in 2021, is just about here. We are just about at the end of our shortened 56 game season. At the time of writing this the Washington Capitals have played 52 of their 56 regular (or irregular) season games. With just four games left to play I think it’s about time to look forward to the who the Washington Capitals are going to have to go through to win Lord Stanley’s treasured chalice.

While the playoffs will have a bit of a different look this season it is still mostly the same. Teams will have to get out of their division first before crossing over to the other conference and then eventually, and hopefully the Stanley Cup Final. Unfortunately, the Capitals division is a pretty tough one.

The Capitals are going to have to get through the Penguins, Bruins and Islanders, or at least two of those teams to get to the Final. That is not going to be an easy task. It’s an even harder task when you consider these three teams are a combined 12-8-3 against the Capitals while the rest of the division (the non playoff teams) are 7-19-3. Based on these records, it’s slightly fair to say the Capitals have beat up the non playoff teams while somewhat struggling with the real contenders.

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That last statement could easily be debated. But the challenge remains the same. The Capitals are going to have to beat two of these teams in a seven game series. How have the Caps done vs these teams? Lets take a look.

Most of the stats you’re about to see here are only 5v5. The only stats that are not 5v5 is goals for and against per game.

Vs Boston Bruins

3-4-0 – 12 goals for, 17 goals against

Goals For Per Game – 3.14

Goals Against Per Game – 3.57

Corsi% – 45.26%

Scoring Chance For% – 46.89%

High Danger Shot Attempts% – 51.72%

Expected Goals For% – 46.89%

Save% – 90%

Power Play% – 31%

Penalty Kill% – 87%

Vs New York Islanders

6-2-0 – 17 goals for, 13 goals against

Goals For Per Game – 2.88

Goals Against Per Game – 2.25

Corsi% – 52.77%

Scoring Chance For% – 50.97%

High Danger Shot Attempts% – 56.90%

Expected Goals For% – 49.50%

Save% – 93.43%

Power Play% – 33.3%

Penalty Kill% – 79%

Vs Pittsburgh Penguins

2-2-4 – 17 goals for, 17 goals against

Goals For Per Game – 3

Goals Against Per Game – 3.50

Corsi% – 50.87%

Scoring Chance For% – 52.17%

High Danger Shot Attempts% – 57.78%

Expected Goals For% – 53.06%

Save% – 91.46%

Power Play% – 16.7%

Penalty Kill% – 82.6%

There are your choices. As Capitals fans, or admirers, who do you want to play? Who would you like to avoid? Do you feel comfortable against any of them? Do you like your chances against all of them?

I would argue the east division is the toughest division to get out of. You could make legit arguments for any of the four teams in this division. Maybe these teams will beat each other up and lose in later rounds, or maybe they will be the most battle tested team.

Next. Washington Capitals at Rangers: Bad blood and must see TV. dark

Either way, it will make for some great hockey for us fans to watch. That great time is almost here. Time to get ready.

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