Three division champions are in three very different positions early in the playoffs, and the Boston Bruins’ injury issues continue to mount.
As the Chicago Blackhawks attempt to rebound from a shutout loss to the Nashville Predators, the Washington Capitals hope they’ve learned a lesson from coming back to beat the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Anaheim Ducks should be brimming with confidence after continuing their run of home domination over the Calgary Flames.
Those teams and the Bruins are in adjustment mode going into Game 2 of their first-round series today.
Already missing defensemen Torey Krug and Brandon Carlo and center David Krejci, the banged-up Bruins could also be without defenseman Colin Miller, who was injured in Game 1. Joe Morrow could take his place on a blue line that already includes freshly signed rookie Charlie McAvoy playing big minutes.
Ottawa could get defenseman Marc Methot back after missing the past three weeks with a severed pinky finger that was the result of a slash from Sidney Crosby.
“I felt pretty good out there,” Methot said after practice Friday. “I just want to be an effective player when I am coming back in and not hurting anybody by coming back prematurely.”
For Chicago, it’s trying to solve goaltender Pekka Rinne, who stopped all 29 shots he faced to steal Game 1 for the Predators. The Blackhawks were ninth in the NHL in offense during the regular season and have the firepower from Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Artemi Panarin down the lineup that can overpower Nashville — when they’re clicking.
Washington coach Barry Trotz wants his team to be stronger on the puck and expects a better start after spotting Toronto a two-goal lead and needing an overtime winner from Tom Wilson to survive an opening scare. But the Capitals should also be better for the adversity they faced early against the Maple Leafs and showing they could avoid panic and respond.