With the end of the NHL Season fast approaching it is time to start answering some questions in the always competitive Eastern Conference. So here's some questions i keep hearing.1. Can anybody stop the Caps?
Going into Tuesday evening the high flying Capitals are ahead of every other team in the East by a commanding 14 points. For those of you that aren't quite sure of truly how much that is, that's a 7 game lead on the second place Penguins! The Capitals are flying high with the always entertaining Alexander Oveckin leading the way with 46 goals and 100 points. In addition the blossoming as Alexander Semin and Nicklas Backstrom make the Caps first line the most feared top line in the league (yes more dangerous than Marleau, Thornton, and Heatly). The x-factor for the Caps, as in recent years, is can their goaltending hold up during the playoffs. Recently Jose Theodore has shown glimpses of his long forgotten glory days with the Canadiens, recording a 17-1-2 record over the past 20 games. The Caps will go as far as Theodore, or largely unproven Russian goaltender, Semyon Varlamov.
2. Can the injury ridden Flyers make a push in the playoffs?
The Philadelphia Flyers are slipping fast in the playoff race. Dropping 7 of their last 8 games, the Flyers are showing the full impact of losing their top three goalies, Ray Emery, Michael Leighton, and Brian Boucher. Now the Flyers are going with a 28 year old rookie, Johan Backlund, who remains unproven. Despite the Flyers slipping play, veterans like Chris Pronger and Kimmo Timonen bring experience and leadership during these tough times. If the Flyers do find a way to make it into the playoffs they may be able to add Michael Leighton and leading scorer, Jeff Carter, back into the lineup as both are due back by mid-April. The road for the Flyers remains bumpy, but if the past proves anything, the Flyers will make the playoffs in some fashion.
Check back in a few days to read Part II
