5 Reasons The Flyers Will Upset The Caps In Round One
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- History says it won't happen.
Presidents' Trophy winners (NHL's best team) have advanced past the first-round 16 times in the last 21 seasons. Since 1994, No. 1 seeds have won 32 of their 42 playoff series', according to puckreport.com.
But I say, screw history.
Here are five reasons why the Flyers will beat the Capitals in round one.
5. Because it's Washington
Washington sports teams like to fall short of expectations. They're already thinking ahead.
Furthermore all 10 ESPN hockey analysts picked the Caps. Love that.
Ps. Do you like apples?
Well, how about them apples?
4. Streaking
The Flyers enter the postseason hot. The Capitals do not. We see it all the time in sports, and especially in tournaments: momentum matters.
The Caps had the Presidents' Trophy basically wrapped up in February. They won just 15 of their final 28 games, which included a 2-1 shootout loss in Philadelphia.
The Flyers won 15 of their last 23 games and went on three separate three-game winning streaks during the span (since February 25th).
3. Steve Mason
Steve Mason is playing his best hockey and has never had more confidence. When backup Michal Neuvirth went out with a meniscus tear, Mason stepped up with an insane month of March: 8-2-2, 1.88 goals-against average, and a .933 save percentage.
Now both goalies are healthy, but one has the needed confidence to carry a team throughout the playoffs.
2. Shayne Gostisbehere
He's the x-factor in the series. Since the 22-year-old smooth-skating rookie defenseman joined the Flyers on November 14th, they've been a different team. In 64 games, "Ghost" has 17 goals (five game-winners) and 29 assists. He has been a difference maker on the Flyers' power play, as well.
1. #WinForEd
You can't measure emotion. You can't analyze will. Sometimes, one team just wants it more. Sometimes, a team is destined.
Maybe I'm reaching? Maybe I'm just a biased Flyers fan? Or maybe, I'm not?
