Heading into Game 4 with a 2-1 series lead is exactly where the Boston Bruins want to be. While a 3-0 series lead is nice, the loss helps keep the team from getting overconfident-something that can seriously derail a team in the playoffs.
The pressure is now on the Capitals who are in a must-win situation. If the Bruins were to take a 3-1 series lead at the end of the contest, the concept of "backs against the wall" would be an understatement for the Capitals.
Hockey fans can certainly look forward to a very aggressive game, as tension will be high on both sides. Fans will be glued to their seat all three periods.
The matchup:
The Boston Bruins will take on the Washington Capitals at the Verizon Center located in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. EDT.
The standings:
Boston comes into Game 4 of the first round finishing the season with a 49-29-4 record. They were 25-15-1 on the road ice during the regular season.
Washington enters Game 4 of the first round finishing the season with a 42-32-8 record. They were 26-11-4 on their home ice during the regular season.
The playoff series:
The playoff series is currently stands at 2-1 in favor of the Bruins.
Where to watch:
The game can be watched live nationwide on NBCS or CBC.
The playoff statistic leaders:
Boston: Tim Thomas- 1.47 GAA, Zdeno Chara/Chris Kelly/Brian Rolston/Benoit Pouliot/Daniel Paille/Rich Peverley- 1 goal, Zdeno Chara/Chris Kelly/Brian Rolston- 2 assists, Zdeno Chara/Chris Kelly/Brian Rolston- 3 points.
Washington: Braden Holtby- 1.77 GAA, Brooks Laich/Alex Ovechkin/Nicklas Backstrom/Troy Brouwer/Alexander Semin- 1 goal, Brooks Laich/Alex Ovechkin- 2 assists, Brooks Laich/Alex Ovechkin- 3 points.
Injuries to note:
Boston: Nathan Horton (concussion), Adam McQuaid (head), Tuukka Rask (abdominal/groin), Marc Savard (concussion).
Washington: Tomas Vokoun (groin), Michal Neuvirth (lower body), Tom Poti (groin).
More Boston Bruins Commentary from Paul Rados:
Boston Bruins at Washington Capitals Quarters Game 3: Fan Playoff Preview
Washington Capitals at Boston Bruins Quarters Game 2: Fan Playoff Preview
Washington Capitals at Boston Bruins Quarters Game 1: Fan Playoff Preview
Fan Preview: Can the Boston Bruins end the season with a win against Buffalo?
Fan Preview: Can the Boston Bruins shut down Evgeni Malkin and the Penguins?
Sources:
All stats provided by NHL.com
Paul Rados is an avid Boston Bruins fan and a Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow him on Twitter @PSRados or leave him a message on Facebook.
