No schedule conflict discussions yet!

I worry a little about Toronto because I remember the swift Montreal team that ruined the '10-'11 season for the Caps.

This Toronto team, which "embarrassed" the Caps in their first meeting, 6-3, according to Holtby, then sent Holtby to the bench in their second meeting (before the Caps won 6-5 in OT), is not to be taken lightly. We all saw the Caps 4-1 win over them recently. Don't put too much weight on that.

Big picture, the Caps have their best team ever by Simple Rating System, which uses goal differential and strength of schedule. They were +0.99 goals a game this year. Last year +0.70 and in their other President's Trophy year +0.90.

That +0.90 didn't help in spring of '11 against Montreal. For comparison, Montreal was -0.14 that year and was actually outscored by six goals. Toronto now is a decent +0.11 and +9 goals.

Sure, you figure the Caps take them seriously. But the playoffs tend to be lower scoring with lots of p;layers willing to block shots. Also, the Caps have had trouble with teams that play a 1-4 style and try to stop them before they get into the zone. Toronto may use that some.

There just isn't that much difference between hockey teams, especially the top half of the NHL. That's why a hot goalie, low-scoring games and willingness to commit to defense are so important.

Even with all those caveats, I think this is going to get a long exciting hockey spring. Emphasis on LONG.