Peepin' Foes Playoff Edition: Washington Capitals

The Rangers made the playoffs by the skin of their collective teeth and somehow ended up securing the six spot, setting up yet another series against the Washington Capitals.

As most everyone has observed, it is the fourth time the teams have met over the last five postseasons. The Rangers lost the first two of those, before squeaking out a seven-game win last season. Historically they are 3-4 in series against the Caps with the name John Druce still haunting my dreams.

When Do We Play:
Game 1: Thursday, 7:30 p.m. at Washington
Game 2: Saturday, 12:30 p.m. at Washington
Game 3: May 6th, 7:30 p.m. at MSG
Game 4: May 8th, 7:30 p.m. at MSG
*Game 5: May 10th, 7:30 p.m. at Washington
*Game 6: May 12th, TBD at MSG
* Game 7: May 13th, TBD at Washington
* - if necessary

Where We Are: In the playoffs, can you believe it? The Rangers didn't exactly back in to the playoff spot but they didn't exactly show they wanted it until the very end. (Note: That is the same exact line I wrote in 2011.)

Where They Are: SouthLeast Division champs ended the season as one of the hottest teams in the league, tearing off 12-1-2 run to close out the asterisked year.

What Happened This Season: The Blueshirts went 2-0-1 against DC: Sunday. Feb 17th the Rangers won 2-1 at MSG, my recap. Sunday March 10th Rangers won 4-1 at the Phone Booth, my recap. And Sunday, March 24th Caps won 3-2 at MSG in a shootout, my recap.

What Happened Past Seasons: I'd rather not rehash John 'F-ing' Druce or the tumultuous Tortorella debacle in his debut season (for my original recaps of that awfulness, just check out April 2009). Last season's seven-game second round series between the teams bordered on torture. The Rangers dominated Game 1, slept through Game 2, played the most boring three OT game ever in Game 3, had a typical letdown in Game 4, got last-second heroics after a mostly morbid Game 5, gave up an early goal on the way to allowing DC to win Game 6 and, finally, finishing off the series in a solid Game 7.

Who To Watch For: Tom Poti ... no, he's out with a bad back. Wojtek Wolski ... no, he still stinks and rarely plays. The main man is Mike Green. Yeah, there is that Ovechkin guy and, sure, Nick Backstrom is a sweet Swede who abuses his fellow countryman Lundqvist with regularity, but Green makes the motor run. After the Caps lost to the Islanders on March 26th, Green racked up 18 points over the next 15 games and (as I mentioned above) Washington went 12-1-2. His defensive deficiencies are outweighed by his offensive prowess: he can pass, he can shoot, he can quarterback a power play and he can do it all at high speed. Basically, Green is a good version of Del Zaster. Also Brooks Laich, if he is deemed healthy enough to play - that guy is annoying to play against. GMGM ridiculously overpaid for Martin Erat at the deadline and Erat has contributed just one goal in nine games since. Doubt he will reward GMGM's faith with a top performance in this series but you never know.

What To Watch For: Aside from the obvious - the Rangers making Braden Holby look like a real goaltender by inflating his numbers with half-hearted shots - the special teams deserve scrutiny. The Rangers take bad penalties and have a terrible power play. The Caps power play is outstanding but their penalty kill is abominable. Something has got to give. Hank will have to make more saves like this, as the bad Ranger blueline is sure to let Ovie get that open every now and again (unless Staal comes back in time).

Also Check Out: The Caps have a big blogosphere - lotsa bored people in politics I guess - but, frankly, I just head to Japer's Rink for all my info. JP is the man. A few other options are Russian Machine Never Breaks, Caps Outsider, Caps Insider, Homer McFanboy, and On Frozen Blog. 

 "Peepin' Foes Playoff Edition: Washington Capitals - A Playoff Powerhouse"

As the NHL playoffs approach, hockey fans around the world eagerly await the clash of titans on the ice. In this special edition of "Peepin' Foes," we shine the spotlight on the Washington Capitals, a perennial playoff powerhouse. With their storied history and star-studded roster, the Capitals are always a team to watch when the postseason rolls around. In this article, we will delve into the Capitals' playoff legacy, highlight key players to watch, analyze their road to the playoffs, and answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this formidable team.

Chapter 1: The Playoff Legacy of the Capitals

A History of Success

The Washington Capitals have a rich history in the playoffs, with numerous memorable moments and deep runs. How have they fared in past playoff seasons, and what are some of their most iconic playoff moments?

The Quest for the Stanley Cup

The ultimate goal for any NHL team is to hoist the Stanley Cup. How close have the Capitals come to winning it all, and what makes them contenders in the current postseason?

Chapter 2: Key Players to Watch

Alex Ovechkin - The Captain

No discussion of the Capitals is complete without mentioning Alex Ovechkin, one of the greatest goal-scorers in NHL history. What impact does Ovechkin have on the team's playoff aspirations, and what can we expect from him in the postseason?

Nicklas Backstrom - The Playmaker

As one of the league's premier playmakers, Nicklas Backstrom plays a pivotal role in the Capitals' success. How does his vision and passing ability elevate the team's playoff performance?

Goaltending Duo - Braden Holtby and Ilya Samsonov

Goaltending is often the key to playoff success. How do Braden Holtby and Ilya Samsonov complement each other in the crease, and how vital are their performances in the postseason?

Chapter 3: The Road to the Playoffs

Regular Season Performance

A strong regular season often translates to playoff success. How did the Capitals perform in the regular season, and what does it indicate about their playoff readiness?

Playoff Seeding and Matchups

Playoff seeding can significantly impact a team's postseason journey. Who are the potential first-round opponents for the Capitals, and how do they match up against them?

Chapter 4: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Let's address some common questions and inquiries about the Washington Capitals' playoff prospects:

Q1: What is the Capitals' overall playoff record, including Stanley Cup wins?

A1: We can provide an overview of the Capitals' playoff record, including their Stanley Cup victories and memorable playoff runs.

Q2: How does the Capitals' current roster compare to their championship-winning teams?

A2: We can analyze the current roster's strengths and weaknesses compared to the championship-winning Capitals teams of the past.

Q3: What is the Capitals' strategy for postseason success, and how has it evolved over the years?

A3: Exploring the Capitals' playoff strategy and how it has evolved can provide insights into their sustained success.

Q4: How do fans in Washington, D.C., contribute to the playoff atmosphere?

A4: Fan support and the atmosphere in Capital One Arena are integral to the Capitals' playoff experience. We can discuss the passionate fan base and traditions.

Q5: What are the key challenges and obstacles the Capitals are likely to face in the playoffs?

A5: Analyzing potential challenges and obstacles that the Capitals may encounter in their playoff journey can provide a well-rounded perspective on their prospects.

Chapter 5: Conclusion - The Quest for Glory

As the Washington Capitals gear up for another playoff campaign, the excitement and anticipation are palpable among fans and players alike. With a roster featuring legends like Alex Ovechkin and a history of success, the Capitals are perennial contenders for the Stanley Cup. The playoffs are a time for heroes to emerge, for legends to be made, and for the quest for glory to begin anew. Whether the Capitals hoist the Cup or face challenges along the way, their playoff journey is sure to be a thrilling spectacle for hockey fans everywhere.