Columbus Blue Jackets: Ranking Possible Playoff Opponents
#1 Washington Capitals vs WC Columbus Blue Jackets
This matchup is statistically the second most likely to happen at this point in the season. The Washington Capitals are all but locked into the top spot in the Metro for the one thousandth consecutive season. Or at least it seems like that.
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The Jackets could either be passed by the New Jersey Devils or Philadelphia Flyers, and this somewhat advantageous matchup could happen.
The Jackets are only 1-3-0 against the Capitals this season but the squad from Washington is dealing with some confidence issues in net. Braden Holtby is struggling mightily down the stretch. Backup Philipp Grubauer has started eight of the last 12 games for the Caps leaving a huge question swirling around whether Holtby or Grubauer will start the series. If Holtby lets in a few easy goals early in game one, will they pull him? Will Grubauer and Holtby rotate?
These uncertainties around the goaltending position this time of year are never good and can shake a team.
This matchup would give the Jackets to get out to a hot start and bury a Cup favorite early. I like the looks of playing Washington in round one.