Capitals and Wizards secure playoff wins on same night, first time ever

By SEAN KINSLOW

Wizards:

The Washington Wizards are currently sitting pretty with a 2-0 series league against the Toronto Raptors, in a best-of-seven first round playoff matchup. The Wizards have won each of these games in Toronto. The series will shift to Washington D.C. on Friday when the Wizards look to go up 3-0.

The Wizards defeated the Raptors in overtime in Game 1, 93-86. Paul Pierce led Washington with 20 points, Nene Hilario lead the team in rebounding with 13 boards and John Wall added a team high eight assists.

Game 2 was a game dominated by the Wizards. The final score made it appear much closer game than it really was. D.C. was able to hold off a late comeback effort by the Raptors and won the game 117-106. Wall led the way with 26 points and 17 assists. Bradly Beal chipped in with 28 points and five rebounds.

Pierce’s veteran leadership has been evident in this series. He played well and showed the younger players the ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ of a playoff series.

The Wizards will be back in action on Friday in D.C. They have all the momentum in the world and look to win another game, moving one step closer to the second round of the NBA playoffs. The game will be televised locally on Comcast Sportsnet (UMW channel 59) and nationally on ESPN2 (UMW channel 56).

Capitals:

The Washington Capitals and the New York Islanders are tied two games to two in their first round best of seven Stanley Cup playoff series. This series has been particularly physical with neither team being afraid to dish out the punishment.

The first two games of the series were played in Washington D.C. The Capitals lost the first game 4-1, but followed it up with a Game 2 victory 4-3. The series then moved to New York, where the Islanders won Game 3 in overtime 2-1. The Capitals evened the series with an extremely physical Game 4, winning 2-1 in overtime.

If the Capitals want to win the series they will need to see increased production from their star player and team captain Alex Ovechkin. While he does have two goals in four games, the veteran left-winger has not taken over games in the way he is capable. If Ovechkin can get hot, the Capitals have a good chance at moving on to the second round.

The series shifts back to Washington tonight, Thursday, April 23. This pivotal Game 5 can be seen broadcasted locally by Comcast Sportsnet (UMW channel 59).