The underdog story in sports is what we phanatics feed on. We love those eight seed’s knocking off the best in the game. Over the past two seasons the Caps have reached the NHL playoffs as a top seed, only to be eliminated early. Could that luck change this year when they represent the eight overall seed? I think so and here are my reasons to prove it.

Note: The last four seasons the Capitals have finished first in the Southeast Conference, never making it past the Quarterfinals in any of those seasons. In 2009 they were the best team in the regular season winning the President’s Trophy.

1.) Ovechkin: While the team has been up and down all season, there has still been flashes of brilliance by the Russian. As long as the Capitals can keep him fresh and relaxed this postseason expect big things from Ovi.

Note: Ovechkin is seen as a scorer, against the Bruins this season he has three points all assists. Being the facilitator could prove to be a good formula against the pesky Bruins.

2.) Expectations: Some think a coaching change was the answer to the Capitals early season woe’s. I disagree, it was purely a problem with expectation. Winning the Southeast division each year and under achieving in the playoffs was casting a dark shadow over the sea of red. The Capitals who have been up and down all year have played one of the most relaxed season’s in a long while.

Note: The Capitals are a pesky eight seed because they come in with lots of experience. Many times you get teams that sneak in as newcomers in that eight spot. This is the opposite you have a past number one seed hiding in an eight seed body.

3.) History: While these two teams have only met twice in the playoffs, the Capitals have the most recent edge. They defeated the Bruins in 1998 in route to their appearance in the finals against the Red Wings.

Note: The Capitals won the overall season series against the Bruins this year 3-1.

I predict the Capitals to win this series in 7 games. Its going to be a long series so if your a Capitals fan strap yourselves in.