Unconventional Struggle: A Fresh Perspective on Obstacles
The Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes have shown they mean business after eliminating the Montreal Canadiens and New Jersey Devils respectively in the first round of the playoffs. But hold on to your seats, folks, it's way too early to make any significant declarations about these teams.
The Capitals' defensemen are about to come face-to-face with a formidable challenge in the form of Carolina's relentless forecheck. Matt Roy has been the Capitals' most utilized defenseman against Montreal, but can the first unit consisting of John Carlson, Rasmus Sandin, and Jakob Chychrun withstand the Carolina players? We'll see.
Nikita Alexeyev, the third pair's weak link, averaged only 11 minutes of ice time against the Canadiens. Washington, however, has found its monstrous 6'6" forward, Alexei Protas, who had 66 points in 76 regular season games. Goaltender Logan Thompson hasn't shown any signs of rust after missing the end of the season and has been shining in the playoffs.
The second lines could make all the difference. Jesperi Kotkaniemi centers Taylor Hall and Logan Stankoven for the Hurricanes, while Pierre-Luc Dubois teams up with Tom Wilson and Connor McMichael for the Capitals. A close call, but we've got to give the edge to the Capitals.
Frederik Andersen, the Hurricanes' starting goaltender, was injured in the fourth game but has returned to practice.
Tom Wilson is a player to watch in the Capitals' lineup. He's been causing trouble for opponents just like he did against the Canadiens, earning 5 points across the series.
Sebastian Aho from the Hurricanes had an off-season but has managed to rack up eight points in five games against the Devils.
Dylan Strome, who's been playing in the shadows of Wilson and Ovechkin, managed to produce an impressive nine points in five games against the Canadiens.
Never re-signed, defenseman Jalen Chatfield played over 22 minutes per game in the second pair against the Devils. Keep an eye on him.
The NHL excitement continues as the Capitals prepare to engage in a tough battle against the Hurricanes, with football and American-football taking a backseat for now. The Capitals' second line, centered by Pierre-Luc Dubois, could play a crucial role in their match against Carolina, just as Tom Wilson has been doing since the series against the Canadiens. On the other hand, Sebastian Aho has shown signs of resurgence for the Hurricanes, scoring eight points in five games against the Devils.
