NHL playoff preview: Pittsburgh Penguins vs Washington Capitals

   

It's official. We have a rematch. Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin will face each other in round 2 again. Last year, Crosby's Pittsburgh Penguins beat "Ovi's" Washington Capitals in 6 games en route to a Stanley Cup victory. This year, the Caps are hungrier to make it to the eastern conference finals for the first time in Ovechkin's career.

      Washington Capitals

       First round: vs Toronto Maple Leafs in 6 games

The Caps didn't look like the Caps we know in the first round, but were able to beat the Leafs. Goalie Braden Holtby didn't have Braden Holtby like numbers in the first round with a 2.36 GAA and .925 SV%, which is still good. They are very good all around, and can really threaten to the Pens.

        Pittsburgh Penguins

        First round: vs Columbus Blue Jackets in 5 games

The Penguins eased through the Jackets in the first round. Behind Crosby, it gets weaker. Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury had a GAA of 2.52 and a .933 SV% in round 1. If Pittsburgh's bottom six plays well, they can put up a very good fight.

        My prediction: Washington Capitals

It's simple. All three aspects of hockey: offense, defense and goaltending favor the Caps. I think this is really their year.