NHL scores are about to start taking center stage now that the playoffs are underway, and by Saturday, Boston and Washington would have already taken to the ice for Game 1 on Thursday, so this game will be huge: the defending Stanley Cup champion Bruins will either be aiming for a 2-0 lead to take to the nation’s capital, or looking for a 1-1 stalemate. 
Hockey betting odds Capitals vs. Bruins – Saturday, 3:00 PM ET
Most Topbettinglines reviews of the Capitals’ season would state that it was disappointing, but they managed to sneak into the postseason with a 6-2-2 mark in their last 10 games. Alex Ovchekin led the team with 38 goals and 65 points, but it was a quiet season for the Washington captain and the Capitals need him to return to his sniping ways if they’re going to upset the Bruins. However, he could be due for an upswing as Nicklas Backstrom returned to the lineup about a week ago after missing a lot of time with a concussion. This is also pressure on the defense and specifically in goal, where Tomas Vokoun and Michal Neuvirth are injured, leaving the task to Braden Holtby and Dany Sabourin. Those that use betting software know how important goaltending is at this point in the season, and the Capitals could be in trouble if their netminders don’t step up.
The Bruins were up and down over the second half of the season, but they were always going to be near the top of your favorite online betting sites because of last season’s experience and when it comes down to it, you won’t find many teams in the league that are tougher than Boston. They seemed to get it together down the stretch, going 7-2-1, and last year they were lauded for their defense, but the Bruins were second in goals scored this season and can get goals from any number of sources. However, the key will still be goaltender Tim Thomas, because backup Tuukka Rask is still recovering from a groin problem.
Boston should be the home favorites in this contest despite what happens in the first game, but the Capitals have won three of four during the regular season against the Bruins, so they won’t be afraid to go toe-to-toe with the Cup champions. The matchup to watch will be Ovchekin against Boston’s Zdeno Chara, because Chara will definitely be on the ice every time Ovchekin is. Both teams played well coming into the playoffs and that means we should get the best of both teams, but Boston’s experience may be too much to overcome for the Capitals. Lean towards the Bruins in Game 2 on Saturday afternoon in your sport betting book.