The difference in professional sports between winning and losing is so very small.
The Florida Panthers – who finished in last place in the East – played in 51 games this season that were one goal differential games.
The New York Rangers – who we play in the first round – have scored 233 goals and allowed 198 goals against. They have a +35 goal differential. The Caps have scored 224 goals and allowed 197 against and have a +27 goal differential.We finished first in the East. The Rangers finished eighth yet they have comparable to better stats than we do. We won 48 games and they won 44 games. They were 9-3 in shootouts while we were 5-6 in shootouts. And on and on.
We are all even now. We are all 0-0 now.
Speaking of stats, has anyone out there figured out the Caps 2010/11 combined record against the other 7 seeds in the East? If memory serves, seems like the Caps won or tied the season series with each of the 7 teams … except the Rangers.