CAPITALS
Late addition
Simeon Varlamov spent the last month of the season as backup to Jose Theodore before taking over in Game 2 of the opening round against New York. The 21-year-old has posted absurd numbers (1.17 GAA, .952 save percentage), but must quickly adjust to one of the NHL’s best offenses.
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The vet
There was talk Sergei Fedorov’s game was slipping. There were rumors retirement was imminent. But the 39-year-old showed he has plenty left in the tank with a game-winning wrister in Game 7 against the Rangers. He had 11 goals and 22 assists in 52 games. He also won 53 of 99 faceoffs in the first round.
The agitator
Matt Bradley produced some of the best hits of the New York series and consistently finished checks. He will be called upon with enforcer Donald Brashear suspended for the first five games. Against Rangers, Bradley moved up to third line and jump-started first-round comeback with two goals in Game 5.
The question mark
Mike Green only is in this category because the New York series wasn’t quite up to his own lofty standards. Admitted Thursday he’s been fighting an illness. Norris Trophy finalist still averaged team-high 25:35 of ice time and had a goal and four assists. Had 31 goals and 42 assists in regular season.
The X-factor
The stars can’t win this series by themselves. Brooks Laich — with the fifth-most points on the team (23 goals and 30 assists) — is that key player one level below. He’s the most likely to take a beating in front of net. Laich also is an excellent skater. He is able to create — and finish — his chances.
PENGUINS
Late addition
Sergei Gonchar still is one of NHL’s top offensive defensemen. He’s better than any trade deadline acquisition for Penguins. He missed the first 58 games after a preseason shoulder injury before returning Feb. 14. Registered seven points in first seven games back and five points in first round vs. Philadelphia.
The vet
Bill Guerin has always given the Caps fits. The 38-year-old was acquired at the trade deadline from the Islanders. The 6-2, 220-pounder takes up plenty of space in front. He has 21 goals and 27 assists this season. In last eight games against the Caps, he has tallied 5 goals and 6 assists.
The agitator
Matt Cooke was a big part of Washington’s playoff run last spring. He plays with an edge and will get under the skin of Capitals’ top players. But like New York forward Sean Avery, his offensive game must be respected. Cooke scored 13 goals and added 18 assists this season.
The question mark
Petr Sykora’s game — to be frank — has fallen off a cliff. The once-indispensable winger (25 goals, 21 assists) must be hurt. He had just three points over the final 17 regular-season games and put up a bagel in the first four playoff games against Philadelphia before being scratched twice.
The X-factor
Caps see their second Staal brother in as many rounds after knocking out Marc and the Rangers. Younger brother Jordan gives Pittsburgh the deepest group of centers in the NHL. He had 22 goals and 27 assists while anchoring the third line. Registered just one point vs. Philadelphia.
