Caps Grab 2nd Seed With Win

Washington Capitals Hockey

The Washington Capitals nailed down the important 2nd seed with a 4-2 win over Tampa Bay tonight. Just how important is it to have the second seed? Just all the difference in the world, or least the beginning round of the playoffs. With all due respect to the Canadians and Rangers, I would much rather match up against them in the first round than either the Flyers, Penguins or Hurricanes. If the Caps had finished behind the Devils in third, it would have been their fate to play one of these three teams in the first round, not an easy draw regardless of who your opponent is. The Capitals found out last year why the 3rd seed can be one of the least advantageous in the playoffs, losing a tough 7 game series to the Flyers. As in now stands, the Capitals will play one of two teams that they have had good success against this year, and it wouldn't surprise me to see them win the first round in five or six games. Meanwhile, the Flyers, Penguins, Hurricanes and Devils all face a tough opening round matchup, regardless of how the teams finish. I can't help but believe that this should be an advantage for the Capitals going forward into the playoffs.

Hockey Talk
Sports and Culture