Quick Glance:
Edinburgh is in the playoffs for the first time since Season 8 and their reward is a series against a juggernaut. With the strong goaltending of Matt Murray, Copenhagen seems to have strength at every position. They finished the season with the league’s top defense (2.23 goals against per game) and they were the best penalty killers in the EURO. Edinburgh will have to get players in front of Murray for screens, deflections and rebounds. If they don’t they are going to have a very tough time with the Tridents. They know what that’s like. In three games against Copenhagen this season, the Capitals scored just one goal and lost all three times.
Goalies:
- Edinburgh – Jeremy Swayman, 3.65 GAA, .900 save pct.
- Copenhagen– Matt Murray, 2.12 GAA, .919 save pct.
Top Plus/Minus players:
- Edinburgh – Zach Benson and Frank Nazar, +7
- Copenhagen– Jean-Gabriel Pageau, +86
Expert Panel Predictions:
- Commissioner Chuck: Copenhagen in 4 games. The Tridents learned a little lesson late in the season when they eased up against the worst team in the league and lost 5-4. Maybe that startling loss was a timely slap in the face. It was their last loss so far. To me, it all boils down to the notion that Copenhagen is just too strong in all areas for the Capitals.
- Rose: Edinburgh – yes, Edinburgh – in 7 games. Like most hockey fans, I’m totally thrilled to see the Capitals in the playoffs. I am firmly on the band wagon and I am trying to get tickets for at least a game in Scotland. If I don’t land one for this series, there is always Round 2. I’m not the only one caught up in the tsunami of love for the Caps. The whole city and country are for sure and the entire island is too now that London and Liverpool are out. Most importantly, I think the whole club is too. That’s why I see them upsetting Copenhagen.
