Hey weekday subscribers. Just a reminder that we tackle timely topics in our Pregame Skate weekend columns, which our for paid members only. This weekend, Parker Milner will share his playoff predictions and thoughts on the NHL’s new vaccine regulations.

First Round Playoff Preview: Capitals vs. Bruins

Stories to Watch: This first round matchup between the Washington Capitals and the Boston Bruins is a star studded affair which always makes for interesting storylines. Here’s a few to watch in this series:

The Obvious — Chara is back in Boston: Long time Boston Bruin captain Zdeno Chara left the B’s this offseason after they could not come to an agreement on his role with the team. After a division realignment put Washington and Boston in the same division, Chara will be back in Boston during the playoffs … but not in the yellow and black.

The Curious Case of Tom Wilson: Fresh off the NHL’s controversial decision not to suspend Tom Wilson, Wilson and the Caps will be facing a very physical Boston team. This Bruins team does not back down to anyone and will definitely try to get Wilson going. All eyes will be on Wilson in this series, and the NHL will be pressured to take action on any slip up by the Caps forward.  

Bruins Instagram

Regular Season Matchups: The Caps and B’s played a very back and forth series this season. It seemed that these two teams could not play consistently against each other. A prime example of this was an 8-1 thrashing of the Bruins by Washington, who went on to lose 6-3 the next time they faced off. The two teams also played multiple one goal games. This series will be a battle.

Series Prediction: All things considered, I have to give Washington the nod in what I predict will be a 7-game series. The Capitals really took the foot off the gas late in the season to get their aging core healthy. In what could be nearing the end of their Stanley Cup window, the Capitals will make a run this year.

A Question for the Peanut Gallery

Will Chara beat his former team?

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