BostonBruins.com – When all the emotions are set aside from the high-tension, first round of the playoffs, there’s an underlying respect for the Washington Capitals.

“No matter what is happening here, as far as the rivalry is concerned and the emotions and everything else, I think there is still that respect that exists between the two teams,” Bruins Head Coach Claude Julien said.

“We know they’re a good team and we’re not just saying that, we know it and we respect that and that’s why we know we have to be at our best and we got to keep improving.”

Even though the Caps will take the ice tonight without forward Nicklas Backstrom, the B’s bench boss maintains the same disposition.

The Capitals played 40 games without Backstrom this season, which included all four against the Bruins, and Washington won three of them.

That said, the Bruins don’t expect Game 4 to be any easier because Backstrom isn’t available.

“They’re still a great team without him and yes, he’s still out of the lineup but we have to make sure we bring our A game,” Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron said. “And we got to worry about us, and not about them and make sure we come out with a strong effort.”