Washington Capitals face Boston Bruins in a must-win game – NHL Preview
A defeat against Buffalo Sabres has pushed Washington Capitals below the comfort zone in National Hockey League (NHL) Eastern Conference, but they are still very much alive in the competition and can qualify for the playoffs after winning their remaining
games in the regular season.
As for the defending Stanley Cup Champions, Boston Bruins, securing a playoff berth is not an issue at the moment, but they are certainly struggling with form of late and might not be able to defend the honour if they do not overcome their flaws.
However, their recent surge is pretty commendable and they will have a strong advantage in the postseason if they could capitalise on the winning momentum.
Capitals and Bruins are going to face each other on Thursday, March 29, 2012, at TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts.
Let’s take a look at both teams.
Capitals
With just five more games left for them to play in the regular season, things are not going good for Capitals as after hanging at the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference for a long time, they have eventually being pushed down now.
They are currently ranked at ninth spot with 84 points after 77 games and are two points behind the eighth-ranked Sabres, who defeated Capitals in the last game to clinch the spot.
Capitals are now in a must-win situation and even a single defeat could end their playoff hopes. Their winger, Mike Knuble, said after the last defeat:
"Now we're going to start needing a little bit of help and that's kind of the first time we've been in this position. You've got to set a target of trying to get four out of these five and finish extremely strong. And then even if you do that and hold up
that end of the bargain, you've got to wait for a little bit of help somewhere else."
Bruins
They are ranked at second spot in the Eastern Conference with 93 points after 76 games.
Out of their last six games, Bruins have won five and are presently on a three-game winning streak with the victories coming against Los Angeles Kings (4-2), Anaheim Ducks (3-2) and Tampa Bay Lightning (5-2).
Bruins were struggling during the last couple of months, but their recent form is commendable and if they could continue with it, they would pose a big threat to other teams in the playoffs.
Predictions
Bruins have a slight edge.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might be six or more.
If Capitals win, the winning margin will be two or more goals.
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