Capitals inconsistencies could prove to be downfall in Playoffs with Strong Eastern Conference

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are approaching and the Washington Capitals are set to qualify as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.  Nevertheless, there is not much to be excited about after the team’s performance over the past month. Once having a stranglehold in first place atop the conference, they have been surpassed by the Bruins and Lightning, with the Philadelphia Flyers on their heel for the third-place spot.  

It did not help matters after the team suffered a 3-2 shootout loss against the lowly Buffalo Sabres Monday night at the Keybank Center.  The team displayed its usual problems during an up-and-down month in a half which includes goalkeeping inconsistencies and lack of execution on offense, particularly on power plays.  

Meanwhile, the Bruins and Lightning are playing with the intensity necessary for a Stanley Cup run, particularly after last week’s fight-filled matchups against each other.  Although, the Lightning have been cold recently, they are playing with a lot more vigor than the Capitals. Additionally, the Flyers have won 9 of their last 10, and do not seem to be holding back anytime soon.  They are playing with the same tenacity of last years Stanley Cup-winning St. Louis Blues. 

The Capitals have an easy matchup with the last-place Detroit Red Wings at Capital One Arena tomorrow night, followed by a much tougher contest against Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, and the unpredictable Chicago Blackhawks.  The next two games, could sum up how the Capitals will fare in the Stanley Cup playoffs.