5* SURE SHOT SPECIAL Washington Capitals.

The Philadelphia Flyers have their work cut out for them as they'll take on the President's Trophy winners the Washington Capitals in the first round of the NHL playoffs. Recording an upset here DC in the first game won't be easy and I think we'll see a comfortable Capitals win tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Home Cookin' - The Caps wrapped up the regular-season with three consecutive home-losses but still finished the campaign with a dominant 29-8-4 home-record. They did not put in much of an effort and took the opportunity to rest players over the last week of the season, and the home-town crowd will crave a win tonight carrying their beloved Caps to victory.

2. Let Down Spot - A late surge and a 15-5-3 stretch over the final 23 contests saw the Flyers clinch the last wild card in the East. That included a 2-1 shootout win against the Caps on March 30, a game the Caps didn't take very seriously. I think the Flyers are running the risk of getting caught by surprised when the Capitals show their true quality tonight.

3. X-Factor - Alex Ovechkin will be well rested after sitting out the regular-season finale against the Ducks, and he'll be looking to continue his dominance of the Flyers with 48 points in 41 career meetings.

Selection: This is a play on the Washington Capitals (5*)