We’ve known for a couple days now that the Washington Capitals will be the top seed in the East and have home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs, but we won’t know who their first round opponent is until the very last day of the regular season.
After Toronto’s 5-3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins Saturday, the pool of teams the Capitals could play in the first round went from four to two. The Caps will open the playoffs against either the Leafs or the Boston Bruins.
Saturday’s victory against the Penguins clinched a playoff spot for the Leafs. If the Leafs get at least one point against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday, a team — might I add — that has nothing to play for, Toronto will open the first round against the Senators and the Capitals will play the Bruins. On the other hand, if the Leafs get beat in rego by Columbus, the Bruins hold the tie-breaker over them and they’ll be flying to DC.
Got it?
TOR wins, so that's it for TB and NYI. If TOR gets point tomorrow vs. CBJ, it's WSH-BOS and OTT-TOR. If TOR gets no point, TOR-WSH/BOS-OTT.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) April 9, 2017
The Caps have had great success against both potential opponents, both this year and in the very recent past.
#Caps vs. Toronto this season: lost 4-2, won 6-5 (OT) and won 4-1. #Caps vs. Boston this season: won 4-3 (OT), won 5-3 and won today 3-1.
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) April 9, 2017
Going back a bit, #Caps have won seven of their last eight games vs. Toronto. #Caps have won their last nine games vs. Boston.
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) April 9, 2017
Who do you want the Caps to play in round one?
Headline photo: Kevin Sousa
