Boston at Washington

The Washington Capitals are home and focused on securing home ice advantage in the first round. Washington is fighting it out with the New York Islanders and Pittsburgh for the second spot in the Metropolitan. They are 17-8 in their last 25 home games. Boston has been on a nice run as they try and make the playoffs but this is a bad matchup. The Bruins play their final three on the road. The Bruins come off a fortunate 2-1 win over a weak Toronto team, and the team is only #21 in goals scored and #19 on the power play. The Bruins are 1-5 when playing on three or more days of rest. Talented Washington is ranked #7 in goals scored, #9 in goals allowed with the #1 power play. The Capitals are 7-1 against the Eastern Conference and have owned the Bruins. Washington is also 10-3-1 in its last 14 at home in the series, and has won three of four overall at the Verizon Center. Washington won 4-0 at Boston and 2-0 at home March 15th this season. Braden Holtby started both as the Washington goaltender moved to 6-2-0 with a 1.80 goals-against average in eight career starts in the series. Play Washington.