{"id":128204,"date":"2022-05-03T08:45:04","date_gmt":"2022-05-03T12:45:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=128204"},"modified":"2022-05-01T19:37:19","modified_gmt":"2022-05-01T23:37:19","slug":"washington-capitals-vs-florida-panthers-preview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2022\/05\/03\/washington-capitals-vs-florida-panthers-preview\/","title":{"rendered":"Washington Capitals vs Florida Panthers First Round Series Preview"},"content":{"rendered":"

On the second day of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the first-round series of the Washington Capitals<\/a> vs Florida Panthers will begin. In theory, there’s a vast gap between these two teams. The Panthers remain a favoured contender to win it all, while the Capitals are a wild-card underdog. Still, the result of this matchup remains far from certain.<\/p>\n

Several prominent factors should influence which of the Capitals and Panthers moves on to the conference semifinals. Injuries, goaltending, and a clash of star forwards will play a role in deciding the winner of the series.<\/p>\n

Washington Capitals vs Florida Panthers First Round Preview<\/h2>\n

Nagging Injuries<\/h3>\n

For the Florida Panthers, the absence of Aaron Ekblad<\/a> has greatly destabilized the defensive corps. Ekblad, the team’s top blueliner, has been out since March 18, when he suffered a lower-body injury<\/a> against the Anaheim Ducks<\/a>. The biggest question is whether or not he will be ready to return by the time the first round begins. Jameson Olive reported that, according to Panthers coach Andrew Brunette<\/a>, Ekblad may be able to play. Still, it’s not a guarantee.<\/p>\n

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Bruno on Ekblad:<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a chance [for] Game 1.\u201d pic.twitter.com\/v2HnJogZk7<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) May 1, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n