Apr 8, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Boston Bruins center Craig Smith (12) scores a goal on Washington Capitals goaltender Ilya Samsonov (30) in the third period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Saturday night, the Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals begin the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs in D.C. at 7:15 p.m. The two middle teams in the East Division standings have battled through eight games this season with each team leaving the ice with four victories.
What does the best-of-seven series have in store for us? Who knows, but ahead of the series, here are some random thoughts before Game 1.