Huge upset and comeback in the making.
Washington Capitals vs Pittsburgh Penguins: Pittsburgh wins 5-3 (Series tied 2-2)
Niklas Backstrom scored 30 seconds into the game, and then the Penguins responded with 3 unanswered goals in the first period while shutting down Alexander Ovechkin throughout the game, and eventually won 5-3. In 25 minutes of ice time, Ovechkin got 1 assist, 2 shots on goal, and took a tripping penalty. Crosby doubled that point total and shots on goal in 18 minutes. Not the best day for the superstar of Washington, and Varlamov wasn't sharp either. Obviously we won't see a performance like that from Washington everyday, but game 5 is the second of a back to back, and I predict the team to come out of that on top will win the series.
Boston Bruins vs Carolina Hurricanes: Carolina wins 4-1 (Carolina leads series 3-1)
Carolina is laying a similar beat down they did to New Jersey, except this time they're doing it more consistently. They swept on home ice, giving themselves a 2 game series edge over the top team in the Eastern Conference during the regular season. Slight line changes found the re-emergence of Eric Staal, and an offensive outburst from Jussi Jokinen. Boston's offense is lagging, as they were outshot 31 to 21 despite having 3 power play opportunities. Cam Ward mdae 20 saves on 21 shots, but that stat is misleading as he wasn't really tested after the second period.
If the Hurricanes defeat the Bruins in 5 or 6, they may be the favorites to win the East, regardless of who wins the Washington/Pittsburgh series. As for Washington and Pittsburgh, the Penguins probably have all the emotional momentum right now, but the Capitals get to play game 5 at home as they finish the back to back. Game 5 is a coin flip in terms of the outcome, and I expect the game to be played like that, with no team holding more than a 1 goal lead (until maybe the third period if there is an empty-netter). Key factor: Sergei Gonchar, Pittsburgh's top defenseman, is out for several weeks with a knee injury after Ovechkin collided with Gonchar.
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