Penguins vs. Capitals: Washington has everything to prove in Game 1

It’s a shame that, once again, the Penguins and Capitals series is not the Eastern Conference Final. Sure, the winner of this series is likely to go to the Stanley Cup Final, but it should be for all of the marbles instead of wasting away in the playoff’s most boring round.

You know the story. Sidney Crosby vs. Alex Ovechkin. Braden Holtby vs. Marc-Andre Fleury. Evgeni Malkin vs. Nicklas Backstrom. The Capitals are deeper but the Penguins have Washington’s number.

The time seems to be now for the Capitals, but they’ll have to best their biggest challenge first. Let’s break down Game 1, shall we?

Goaltending was optional. With scores like 8-7, 7-1, and 5-2, you know this series is going to be quite the goalscorer’s dream. Washington and Pittsburgh split the series 2-2, but the Penguins have the upper hand on the Capitals as they’ve won eight of nine playoff series against the Capitals. Backstrom, T.J. Oshie, Ovechkin, Crosby, and Malkin were all big contributors in the season series.

Justin Williams. The forward showed up big time in Round 1 with six points in six games. He’s been a known clutch playoff performer and it will likely be imperative for the Penguins to keep an eye on him in this series.

Lars Eller, Nate Schmidt, and Tom Wilson are all expected to play for Washington. Only Karl Alzner (upper body) is sitting out Game 1.

On the Penguins side, Kris Letang (neck) is out for the year, while Matt Murray (lower body) is doubtful. Carl Hagelin and Chris Kunitz are questionable but considerable possibilities.

Which goaltender holds down the fort. Goals are going to be scored in this series, no question, but how Holtby and Fleury start this series will be big. Any shakiness from either goaltender will likely be exploited by a hungry offense.

The Capitals. Invigorated by their first-round win, Washington jumps ahead 1-0 as the Penguins shake off the rust of a long break.