Tampa-Capitals Round 2 Preview

by Brandt Corbin

            When the Tampa Bay Lightning came back in round 1 from a 3-1 deficit, they got what they wanted all along. A second round date with their arch rivals Washington Capitals and its fitting these two teams fought tooth and nail for the Southeast divisional championship. It will feature Alexander Ovechkin vs Steven Stamkos, but if the first round was an indication Stamkos better show up earlier and more often. With the exception of a three point effort in game 5, Stamkos was a complete no-show against Pittsburgh. This series is going to be a tightly contested series, as both teams can shut it down defensively just as good as others.

Secondary scoring a plenty

            Both teams have powerful first lines, led by Stamkos and Martin St.Louis, the Caps will counter with Ovechkin & Nicklas Backstrom. The second lines will feature Vincent Lecavlier, Simon Gagne and Ted Purcell, the Caps second line will be centered by Jason Arnott, flagged by Alexander Semin and Brooks Laich. Bruce Boudreau’s Capitals have to have the advantage on the second line, with the exception of Purcell, Lecavlier and Gagne have struggled quite a bit this year. Both teams have strong checking lines, that can bang and crash, while chipping in the odd goal.

Goaltending

            Both netminders, Tampa’s Dwayne Rolloson and Capitals goalie Michael Neuvirth were among the best in the first round, and are among the main reason why teams are advancing to the second round. The 41-year-old Rolloson is perfect 6-0 in his last half dozen elimination games, and infact shutout the Caps twice in the last half of the season. Neuvirth outplayed without question “the King” Henrik Lundquist in the first round, and is playing his best hockey of his early career. Goaltending is a toss up, look for both teams to gets tons of traffic in front of each goaltender.

Defense

            Tampa’s defense is not the strongest, but they have few weaknesses. The Caps on the other hand have three strong pairings, plus more as Dennis Wideman could be ready in the middle of this series. Boudreau’s backend, has offense, defense, toughness. This years defense in Washington is the best they’ve had since the mid 80’s when they were led by Rod Langway, Kevin Hatcher, Scott Stevens and Larry Murphy.

When its all said and done

            The Caps have allot of weapons, then on top of that, they’re the strongest they ever been defensively. So for Tampa Bay to be successful, Stamkos must be consistent, while Rolloson must have a repeat performance of round 1. Games 3 & 4 are on back to back nights, if either team can take both of those games, they’ll be the favourites.

Capitals in 6 games.