RUNOFF 2023 HFBoards Stanley Cup Favourite #13 Boston VS Washington

[M2Beezy]

So Caps and Bruins all tied up for the 13th spot so they go head to head here. Who ya got?

1 Colorado 65% 2023 HFBoards Stanley Cup Favourite #1
2 Tampa 70% 2023 HFBoards Stanley Cup Favourite #2
3 Carolina 41% 2023 HFBoards Stanley Cup Favourite #3
4 TIE: NYR TOR 22% 2023 HFBoards Stanley Cup Favourite #4
4 Toronto 51% 2023 HFBoards Stanley Cup Favourite #4 RUNOFF: Rangers VS Leafs
5 NYRangers 37% 2023 HFBoards Stanley Cup Favourite #5
6 Edmonton 29% 2023 HFBoards Stanley Cup Favourite #6
7 St Louis 40% 2023 HFBoards Stanley Cup Favourite #7
8 Calgary 43% 2023 HFBoards Stanley Cup Favourite #8
9 Florida 55% 2023 HFBoards Stanley Cup Favourite #9
10 Pittsburgh 32% 2023 HFBoards Stanley Cup Favourite #10
11 Las Vegas 26% 2023 HFBoards Stanley Cup Favourite #11
12 Minnesota 28% 2023 HFBoards Stanley Cup Favourite #12
13 TIE Boston/Washington 35% 2023 HFBoards Stanley Cup Favourite #13

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[wintersej]

Can someone please explain the case for the Caps here?

 

[Alexander the Gr8]

Can someone please explain the case for the Caps here?

I would argue that they have fewer roadblocks to make the playoffs. Only major injuries are Backstrom and Wilson.

Backstrom won’t be back, but I would argue that the Caps upgraded at center with the Strome acquisition. Connor Brown is a nice addition, and Kuemper is a massive upgrade in goal.

For the Bruins, only additions are Zacha and Krejci. Not sure how it will work, but Marchand and McAvoy’s absence in a tougher Atlantic division may be difficult to overcome.

That’s my point of view, biased of course, but the Bruins and Caps being ranked 13/14 is fair.

 

[wintersej]

I would argue that they have fewer roadblocks to make the playoffs. Only major injuries are Backstrom and Wilson.

Backstrom won’t be back, but I would argue that the Caps upgraded at center with the Strome acquisition. Connor Brown is a nice addition, and Kuemper is a massive upgrade in goal.

For the Bruins, only additions are Zacha and Krejci. Not sure how it will work, but Marchand and McAvoy’s absence in a tougher Atlantic division may be difficult to overcome.

That’s my point of view, biased of course, but the Bruins and Caps being ranked 13/14 is fair.

Interesting. I have my own bias but I don’t view it as particularly close.

I would view it as Boston adding Krejci, Zacha and Lindholm as Lindholm only played 9 games.

The Bruins were a top 4 team once they split up the Bergeron line at Christmas, but Hall and Pasta couldn’t carry Haula come playoff time against a defensively stout Carolina team that didn’t give up a lot on the rush. Adding Krejci should massively change the versatility and makeup of that line.

Kuzy and Strome are some of the worst top 6 defensive centers in the NHL and I really view Backstrom to Strome as a downgrade of epic proportions.

 

[Alexander the Gr8]

Interesting. I have my own bias but I don’t view it as particularly close.

I would view it as Boston adding Krejci, Zacha and Lindholm as Lindholm only played 9 games.

The Bruins were a top 4 team once they split up the Bergeron line at Christmas, but Hall and Pasta couldn’t carry Haula come playoff time against a defensively stout Carolina team that didn’t give up a lot on the rush. Adding Krejci should massively change the versatility and makeup of that line.

Kuzy and Strome are some of the worst top 6 defensive centers in the NHL and I really view Backstrom to Strome as a downgrade of epic proportions.

Backstrom down to Strome would normally be a huge downgrade… but the Caps barely had a functional Backstrom last year. He missed many games, and he was a shell of himself last year.

I’m more confident going into the season with Strome at #2C at this point.

Also, the other point I didn’t mention is the coaching change for the Bruins. There’s multiple unknowns in the equation.

 

[Caps8112]

Interesting. I have my own bias but I don’t view it as particularly close.

I would view it as Boston adding Krejci, Zacha and Lindholm as Lindholm only played 9 games.

The Bruins were a top 4 team once they split up the Bergeron line at Christmas, but Hall and Pasta couldn’t carry Haula come playoff time against a defensively stout Carolina team that didn’t give up a lot on the rush. Adding Krejci should massively change the versatility and makeup of that line.

Kuzy and Strome are some of the worst top 6 defensive centers in the NHL and I really view Backstrom to Strome as a downgrade of epic proportions.

your assuming Krejci is the same player from 2 years ago. Id also argue the caps getting even a mediocre Kuemper is twice the upgrade to the team then adding those 3 players to the bruins. The cap dumpster fire goaltending the last 2 seasons kept them from winning a round or two or more. THey took the presidents trophy winners to 6 games and would have beaten them had they not had goalies allowing unscreened wrist shots from 50' out. Sammy and Vanny were the worst goalies in the league. That all said I dont know how the team will be with the other pieces they have added and missing Wilson and Backstrom. The bruins have gotten old too with some of their key players