Stanley Cup Playoffs 2012: 10 Capitals Who Shined in Round 1

The Washington Capitals defeated the Boston Bruins in Round 1 of the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs in what was the most competitive of the NHL playoff series.

The Capitals played an exceptional game on both ends of the ice. Stars, like captain Alexander Ovechkin and Alexander Semin, shined. Other younger players, like John Carlson and rookie goaltender Braden Holtby, rose to the occasion to make winning this series possible.

Defeating the Bruins was a team effort. That said, there are a handful of Capitals players that truly stepped up.

John Erskine

John Erskine was added to the lineup to help build the Caps' physical presence after a rough Game 3. This rugged defenseman made his fair share of contributions by helping to fight off the Bruins' net-front presence.

For someone who isn't known as being very offensively productive, it's also worth noting that Erskine tallied an assist in the series.

Jay Beagle

One of the greatest challenges the Caps faced was the offensive depth of the Bruins. The Caps couldn't rely on the top two lines to score all their goals.

Right wing Jay Beagle got this memo.

Beagle did a good job looking to redirect shots and score off of rebounds. Throughout the series, Beagle managed 13 shots on Boston's goal, one of which got by netminder Tim Thomas.

John Carlson

John Carlson, as far as many are concerned, is evolving into one of the league's next great offensive defensemen. In this series, he's proved he's doing just that.

In seven games, Carlson had 12 shots on goal. He also recorded two assists, serving as a testament to his playmaking abilities.

Roman Hamrlik

The Capitals hired Roman Hamrlik specifically for his playoff experience, and it paid off. His plus-five rating speaks highly of his defensive capabilities.

Hamrlik isn't necessarily known as an offensive defenseman, but he does make more than his fair share of offensive contributions. He had 12 shots on goal and assisted on three goals.

Brooks Laich

I have been saying it for a long time now: Brooks Laich is one of the most versatile two-way forwards in the entire NHL.

Laich made some fantastic contributions to the Caps' offense, providing a goal and three assists. Playing in the Bruins' zone, Laich helped give the Caps much-needed net-front presence. It's a wonder that his one goal of the series came from a breakaway goal rather than a redirection or rebound goal.

And that's just on the offensive side. Laich also played some solid defense against the Bruins, as evidenced by his plus-two rating.

Nicklas Backstrom

I'm sure the Capitals were very glad to have Nicklas Backstrom back in the lineup.

Backstrom played as the star playmaker he is by setting up three goals and scoring one of his own. And that's not to mention the 12 shots he had on Tim Thomas.

Backstrom also played a big part in the outbreak of violence we saw in Game 3. However, Backstrom ended up getting a handful of penalties and a 10-minute cross-checking match penalty that earned him a suspension for Game 4.

It's good that this uncharacteristic lapse of discipline only cost him one game.

Alexander Ovechkin

Alexander Ovechkin played like the offensive juggernaut he is, making winning this series possible. In such a low-scoring series, Ovechkin's two goals and three assists were vital to the Caps overcoming the Bruins.

As captain, Ovechkin also did a good job of leading the team.

Ovechkin, certainly not a very defensive player, was benched by coach Dale Hunter when protecting the lead was the top priority. He didn't make a big deal about seeing less ice time, proving that he has the team's best interests in mind.

Alexander Semin

When Alexander Semin is really playing, he's an extremely dangerous player. When he's not, you'd barely know he's on the ice.

Semin led the Capitals in goal scoring with three goals in the series. Those three goals came in Games 3, 4 and 5. His goal in Game 4 was also the game-winning tally. What's more is that Semin was an incredible force for the Caps' power play.

If Semin can continue with this production, especially on the PP, the Caps will be the team to beat in this race to the Cup.

Joel Ward

How could I not mention the man who scored the game-winning goal in overtime of Game 7? Joel Ward managed to find twine on a rebound following Mike Knuble's 2-on-1 backhand shot.

In addition, Ward also had a hand in two other goals in the series and tallied 11 shots on goal. So not only did he score that monumental goal in Game 7, but he also helped add some depth to the Caps.

Braden Holtby

Going into the playoffs, both Tomas Vokoun and Michal Neuvirth were injured. The Caps were forced to turn to rookie netminder Braden Holtby.

Playing an astounding 449 minutes across seven games, Holtby saved 233 of 248 shots for a save percentage of .940. 

Holtby was the biggest wild card of this entire series. With all the pressure in the world on his shoulders, Holtby made amazing saves look easy. He truly looked and played like a veteran.