Bruins Playoff Schedule 2012: Odds & Predictions for Opening Series vs Capitals

As the NHL playoffs are just a few days away, one opening round series stands out in particular.  In it, Zdeno Chara and the defending champion Boston Bruins will face Alex Ovechkin and the red-hot Washington Capitals.  Though the Capitals won the season series, 3-1, the playoffs are a horse of a different color, and this series is sure to be an intense one.

Both teams play an extremely fast game, as well as some tough defense.  Boston coach Claude Julien relies on a fast-paced offense with some heavy hitting on the other side of the ice, while the Caps have an ex-goon in coach Dale Hunter.  That said, this series could very well go the full seven games.

Yet, we haven't even touched on one of the more important facets of the game: goaltending.  Washington is alright in this department, but Braden Holtby, Michal Neuvirth and the injured Tomas Vokoun aren't exactly what I would call elite goaltenders.  Sure, they're talented, but are they guys to lean on in the playoffs?

In Boston's case, it has the reigning Vezina Trophy winner in Tim Thomas and a solid backup in the soon-to-return Tuukka Rask.  Thomas found himself in the spotlight quite a bit this year, not only for his play, but for his open refusal to attend the Bruins' meeting with President Barack Obama so that they could be congratulated and honored for winning the Stanley Cup. 

Despite how one may feel about his decision, he's still a solid player between the pipes.

That being said, I'm going to predict that goaltending is going to be the deciding factor in this series.  Both the Bruins and the Capitals score in bunches, and in the playoffs, whichever team is able to stop more shots on goal is going to be the one advancing to Round 2.

Regarding leadership, it's even either way.  Boston captain Zdeno Chara is a fine leader compared to the somewhat egotistical Alex Ovechkin, who wears the "C" for Washington.  Yet, it should also be noted that Ovechkin had the worst season of his career in posting just 65 points and a plus/minus of minus-8.  Still, he's helped turn the Caps into a perennial contender.

That all being said, the playoff series between the Bruins and Capitals has great matchup written all over it.  Both teams are talented in their own right, and their coaches' styles will make for an interesting series. 

Yet in terms of consistency alone, the edge goes to Boston.  It won the Stanley Cup last year, and with much of that same team intact, not to mention winning streaks of 10 and seven games happening this season, the Bruins aren't going to go down easily.

Boston Odds of Winning: 3-1

Washington Odds of Winning: 8-1

Prediction: Bruins in 7