ROUND 3 !! Caps lead 1-0

[KitFisto]

Listen to the radio and so many people are so positive the Caps "got this". Without Backstrom I just don't see it. I'm excited we're in the ECF, but losing your best 2 way player doesn't bode well IMO.

[BlackIce]

Listen to the radio and so many people are so positive the Caps "got this". Without Backstrom I just don't see it. I'm excited we're in the ECF, but losing your best 2 way player doesn't bode well IMO.

You're right.  Backstrom would be an enormous piece to lose if he can't go.  And even if he does, I think it's clear that he won't be able to shoot and stickhandle as usual.  He probably ought to be kept off the PP because Tampa would simply ignore him and play the others 4 on 4.  Maybe if he is limited he should play 3C, let Eller play 2C, and play more on the PK rather than the PP.  He might still be able to play defense, and the only reason he doesn't play much on the PK now is to limit his minutes.  Problem is, would he have enough hand strength to get pucks out of the zone?

[4 Caps]

It appears that if Backstrom doesn’t play and that seems to be likely that Eller will center the 2nd line with Vrana and Oshie on the wings.  Stephenson is going to center the third line with Burakovsky and Connolly on the wings.  I thought the Eller line played really well against Pittsburgh in game 6 and hopefully they will have another good game tonight. 

[DC_1908]

Listen to the radio and so many people are so positive the Caps "got this". Without Backstrom I just don't see it. I'm excited we're in the ECF, but losing your best 2 way player doesn't bode well IMO.

This is what is worrisome . . . We just beat an overrated, tired team that had little reason tbfesr us and even less respect for us. . . so what?


There are two far better teams than the Hens we need to beat, and we done shit yet

[alta]

Backy skated with the team this morin, still being called a game time decision