NHL Playoff Schedule 2012: Bruins Should Be Weary of Streaking Capitals

It's official. The Boston Bruins (49-29-4), No. 2 seed in the East, will take on the No. 7 seed Washington Capitals (42-32-8) in what is arguably the most intriguing first-round matchup in the 2012 NHL playoffs.

The NHL playoffs are just days away, and fans of the game can anticipate one of the more promising postseasons this year. The schedule is set to be announced Sunday at 1 p.m. EDT.

Although the Bruins will be favored in this matchup, rest assured that they will be anything but overwhelming favorites.

The Capitals have three major advantages heading into the 2012 playoffs against last year's champions.

Clearly, the Capitals are the hotter team of the two heading into postseason play. In what was a down-to-the-wire, heated playoff race between the Capitals, Sabres and Senators, the Capitals were able to finish up grabbing the No. 7 seed.

Washington has won five of its last seven and has been doing it behind top-notch goal scoring. Each of the team's last five wins have come with at least three goals, and they scored four goals in the last two victories, which were wins over the Florida Panthers and on the road against the New York Rangers.

The key this postseason will be the ability of the team's core players to come out strong with their experience and talent. Alexander Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Green will have to come up big against a tough, proven Bruins squad.

Another evident advantage this team has, outside of their streaky play and talented core, is their play against the Bruins this season. The Capitals are 3-1-0 against Boston this season, with the team's most recent win coming March 29 in a 3-2 shootout victory. Marcus Johansson came up strong with a goal and an assist, while Ovechkin recorded two assists of his own to help lead Washington.

This will heavily favor the Capitals going into this matchup, as it is clear that they can keep up with the powerhouse Bruins.

Washington was also the No. 1 seed in the East each of the last two seasons before dropping to No. 7 in 2012, so this is undoubtedly a team that is capable of making a deep run.

Although records tell a different story, there is no question that the Capitals will take it to the Bruins in this series.