Boston Bruins start defence of Stanley Cup title against Washington Capitals - NHL Playoff Preview
Can the Boston Bruins lift the Stanley Cup twice in two seasons?
That is a question for later as first the defending champions have to first go through the Washington Capitals in the conference quarterfinals.
They play the first game of seven on Thursday, April 12, 2012 at the TD Garden.
The Bruins secured the Northeast division crown in the regular season with 102-points and became the second seeded team entering the playoffs.
With home ice advantage, Boston do have the advantage but have to be wary of a Capitals side that can spring surprises.
Washington just about managed to gain a playoff spot after holding off the challenge of the Buffalo Sabres and will now look to move further into the playoffs.
Boston
The Bruins have had a wonderful season and will look to continue that rich vein of form in the playoffs as they fight to hold on to their title of Stanley Cup Champions.
Boston ended the regular season with four wins in their last five games, including a 2-1 defeat of Eastern Conference top team, New York Rangers.
Against the Capitals though, the Bruins form is patchy at best with just a single win from the four games both sides faced against each other.
The last two games between the two sides were close encounters but the Bruins will be confident of emerging the victors this time at home ice.
Centre David Krejci told the Bruins official website.
"This is a fun time. We all know that we've had a success in past, but this kind of a new season, a new year, so you got to start from the beginning.
"We got to start with a good game tomorrow and go from there."
Capitals
Washington will start with rookie goaltender Braden Holtby on Thursday, and the youngster’s inexperience in the playoffs will make him a likely target for the Bruins star studded offence.
Holtby though is confident in his abilities and said in an interview that he is focussed and ready to make his playoff debut.
"I'm not really trying to focus on the playoffs, I'm focusing on making saves. The saves don't get any harder in the playoffs. I've watched them since I was a kid. They're the same type shots, same everything. Obviously it's more intense but it doesn't change
your ability at all."
The Capitals will hope that this is the year they finally have a good playoff campaign after choking in their past appearances.
With a 3-1 record in 2011-12 against the Bruins, the Capitals will be confident of giving their best shot at the defending Stanley Cup Champions.
Predictions
Tough to choose but the Capitals have won both games played at the TD Garden in the regular season. However, Boston have to be the favourites at home ice.
Sum of goals will be more than six.
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