Channeling John Tortorella here, but now we get to find out what the Blue Jackets are made of. If they're up for this.
They've had one hell of a road to get into the Stanley Cup playoffs, boasting one of the NHL's best records from the trade deadline on, just to secure a wild card berth. Their draw is the Metropolitan Division champion Washington Capitals, who have had an up-and-down year from several players (including their No. 1 goaltender), but not their biggest star in Alex Ovechkin. He was excellent all season long.
Game 1 is usually weird. It rarely goes as you'd expect, and the Blue Jackets will have to withstand an early push from the Capitals, who will have plenty of energy on home ice. Let's get this thing started, shall we?
MATCHUP:
Columbus Blue Jackets at Washington Capitals
Capital One Arena, 7:30 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Ohio, USA Network
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:
- The Blue Jackets have been one of the NHL's best offensive teams since the trade deadline, and they'll need that to continue in this series. They'll rely on their top line, of course, but secondary scoring is so important in the playoffs. Alexander Wennberg, Boone Jenner, Thomas Vanek, and others – these guys need to be ready.
- We'll be watching the first period. Can the Blue Jackets establish their game early on, and "inflict" as John Tortorella so often implores them to do? That's an important item for the visitors so they don't test the water in Game 1.
- Sergei Bobrovsky. If he's on his game and into the game from the start, the Blue Jackets are in business.
TALE OF THE TAPE:
CAPITALS
52-18-11 (1st in Metropolian Division)
PP: 22.5% (7th) / PK: 80.3% (15th)
5v5 Corsi: 47.96% (24th)
BLUE JACKETS
45-30-7 (No. 1 Wild Card)
PP: 17.2% (25th) / PK: 76.2% (27th)
5v5 Corsi: 51.49% (9th)
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