Stanley Cup Playoffs: Round 2

Tonight's matchups in the Stanley Cup Playoffs are extremely important to both home teams. First, the Washington Capitals return home looking to build off their victory over the Rangers Monday night. The Caps have been outplayed by the Rangers during the first two games, but remain to be a dangerous team. The verizon center is always a loud arena, and the fans will be behind them. Over the last two seasons, the Rangers havent had much success there, but this is a different team now. If the Rangers win tonight, this series could definitely be closed out in 5, but if Washington wins, we will have a long series on our hands. Onto the second matchup tonight, the Phoenix Coyotes at the Nashville Predators. The coyotes took care of business at home, taking both games pretty handedly vs the predators. Nashville will be without Alex Radulov and Andre Kostitsyn, who they suspended for game 3 for violating team rules. This could be a big blow to the predators, who are already struggling to find a little offense. Their hopes lie in Vezina finalist Pekka Rinne in net, who had a terrible outing in Game 2. If Rinne can steal this one, the Predators have a real chance to tie it in game 4, but if the Coyotes dominate again, this series is all but over. I think the Rangers will eventually win their series, but tonight im going with the Capitals in DC. In Nashville, im sticking with the Coyotes, I think they are confident and have played consistent and well-balanced hockey throughout the playoffs.