Even though I have an obvious bias toward the Boston Bruins, I still must say I have been more than impressed with the play of Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby. While Tim Thomas has a wealth of playoff experience to draw from, the 22-year-old Holtby has put up an equally impressive performance this series.

The Boston Bruins got off to the playoff start they were hoping for on Thursday, April 12 when they defeated the Washington Capitals 1-0 1:18 into overtime on a Chris Kelly goal. Goaltender Tim Thomas recorded his sixth career playoff shutout in his 17 save effort for the Bruins.

Boston Bruins vs Washington Capitals Playoffs Round 1 Home Game 1, 04/12/2012, at TD Garden ... Find Tickets

Despite a number of struggles late in the season, the Boston Bruins still were able to dominate enough in the Eastern Conference to earn the No. 2 seed.

I may live well outside the greater Boston metropolitan area, but I have had the honor of attending a Boston Bruins game at TD Garden. It#39;s a great experience in a great venue, and I recommend it to any hockey fan who is able to attend. (I even know a hardcore Montreal Canadiens fan who even went to a game there while she was visiting the city, although she camouflaged herself in the visiting ...