Frank Seravalli TSN Senior Hockey Reporter Follow|Archive

WASHINGTON - Finding a way to exploit one edge, however minuscule, is usually the difference between winning and losing in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Barry Trotz is well aware. His Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins are so familiar with each other that their tendencies have been broken down ad nauseam on video.

They are more than just division foes. Both teams have players who used to be behind enemy lines. Eric Fehr spent nine seasons in Washington; Matt Niskanen and Brooks Orpik combined for nearly 1,000 games in a Penguins uniform.

And Trotz has an asset on the bench: assistant coach Todd Reirden commandeered Pittsburgh’s defence for four years.

“There are probably not a lot of secrets,” Trotz said Wednesday. “There are some real defining tendencies that if you can exploit, it can give you an advantage. It might only give you an advantage for one game until they correct whatever you might have exploited, but it's about getting four [wins]. If you can get one, somehow by identifying tendencies or areas that you can exploit, that gives you a one up and then you look to the next thing.”

But who has the edge to start?

Here is the series view from one Eastern Conference pro scout who has seen both Pittsburgh and Washington many times this season:

FORWARDS

Scout’s take: “Pittsburgh has speed. They’re quick and skilled, but they are not as big as Washington. They don’t have nearly the depth Washington has, either. The Capitals are big, but also skilled. They have the most adaptable forward group in the league; they proved that during the regular season. Washington can play any way you want to - a speed game, skill game, physical game - you name it, they can do it. Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov can be real tough to handle. I don’t think Pittsburgh’s smaller guys can match up well if the Caps decide to play a physical series. That will be a big difference.”

Scout’s edge: Washington

DEFENCE

Scout’s take: “The Penguins scored 21 goals in the first round and just one of them came from a defenceman. Kris Letang is the key to the series for them. Olli Maata hasn’t been as good for Pittsburgh since his injury; he’s struggled a little bit. John Carlson is the only defenceman on Letang’s level for Washington [with] the way he’s played this year. Missing Orpik for a few games would hurt. Both teams can get a little thin. If I were Washington, I would make sure we’d be finishing our checks on Letang. He’s had injury problems in the past. The goal isn’t to hurt him, but to wear him down. He’s not a big guy.”

Scout’s edge: Pittsburgh

GOALTENDING

Scout’s take: “This is the easiest one. There is no doubt about who has the edge here. Matt Murray has played what, three Stanley Cup playoff games? That’s not to say he can’t play well enough to win, it’s just that no one would pick him over Braden Holtby, who could have won MVP of the league this season. He was unbeatable against the Flyers. The only reason that series got close was because it seemed like the Capitals were uninterested at times because they were so far ahead. Holtby just sucks up every rebound. He is also aided because Washington does a very good job of supporting the puck. They are always around it. And their forwards, especially Nicklas Backstrom and Marcus Johansson, do great work getting back. The Capitals know how to play in their own end, which makes it easier for Holtby and their defencemen.”

Scout’s edge: Washington

SPECIAL TEAMS

Scout’s take: “I know Pittsburgh had the better numbers in Round 1, but I think Washington’s power play is a lot tougher to defend against than Pittsburgh. The Penguins will try to attack it, but Washington can simply adjust their passing points. You want to eliminate Ovechkin at the circle? Okay, they will attack from down low or in the slot. Everyone says to just blanket Ovechkin, but they still find a way to get him the puck every time. If you cover him, then you’re leaving someone else open. It’s difficult. Pittsburgh has been hot and cold at times this year. They can go long stretches without making anything happen. And it’s hard not to like the Capitals’ penalty kill. They went 23-for-24 against the Flyers. This round can be different, but Pittsburgh is going to have to produce.”

Scout’s edge: Washington

INTANGIBLES

Scout’s take: “There isn’t a clear edge in coaching; both coaches have done a great job. Home ice isn’t a big factor, I don’t think. I’m not sure there is any big edge here, but Washington doesn’t have as much playoff experience. They added Justin Williams and Mike Richards for that. Sometimes, you have to get into pressure situations to find out how your players will react. I don’t think Kuznetsov was nearly as good in Round 1 as he was in the regular season responding to that pressure. That will be something to watch.”

Scout’s edge: Even

OVERALL

Scout’s take: “This is going to be a hell of a series. Two really good teams. Pittsburgh has been the hottest team in the league. I like Washington because they are a bigger team. Playoff hockey is just so much more physical. I think their adaptability makes them a real tough out the rest of the way here.”

Series edge: Washington

Contact Frank Seravalli on Twitter: @frank_seravalli