The NHL is on a two-week hiatus because of some minor amateur sports tournament in Canada. Which means it’s the perfect time to examine some key teams in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Washington Capitals
Why we like them » Um, they score. A lot. The Caps have 247 goals through 62 games, tops in the NHL by a wide margin (the San Jose Sharks are next at 204). Alex Ovechkin & Co. have a 13-point lead in the conference, the largest scoring differential in hockey and a 23-3-3 record at Verizon Center.
Why we’re leery » Is it just us, or is every game a 6-5 slugfest? The Caps can outscore and outskate any team, but success in the playoffs often comes down to keeping the puck out of your own net. Washington’s penalty-kill (sixth-worst in the NHL) is suspect. Goalie Jose Theodore has a shaky playoff track record.
New Jersey Devils
Why we like them » What’s not to like? The Devils have been the most consistent team in the conference (maybe in all of hockey) for the past 12 years. Martin Brodeur remains an elite goalie. Stud left winger Ilya Kovalchuk provides needed offensive pop.
Why we’re leery » Is New Jersey moving away from its strength with the Kovalchuk deal? The Devils have been a playoff machine because of defense, gritty hockey and great goaltending. Kovalchuk doesn’t do any of those things.
Buffalo Sabres
Why we like them » Two words: Ryan Miller. He is, perhaps, the best player at his position in the world. Miller is among the league leaders in wins, shutouts, save percentage and goals against average. He is the most valuable player on his team.
Why we’re leery » Minus Miller, who will log heavy minutes for the U.S. team during the Olympics, Buffalo is average. The Sabres don’t have a 20-goal scorer on the roster (the Caps have five). Surging Ottawa has overtaken Buffalo in the Northeast Division.
