Washington Capitals: Why Fans Can Expect a Run at the Stanley Cup

Come playoff time, fans of the Washington Capitals are not always an optimistic bunch. Congress isn’t the only reason for pessimism in DC. In 22 trips to the playoffs, the Caps have made the conference finals just twice, and the Stanley Cup Finals once.

Even last year’s 121-point regular season wasn’t enough to calm the nerves of some Capitals fans. And, sure enough, after seven games against Montreal, any  championship parade that may have been planned for the National Mall was cancelled.

But is it possible that this year’s Caps, not nearly as dominate as the 2010 edition, have the best shot at ending the title drought? Here are five reasons for Capitals fans to start thinking positive.

There's More Stability in Goal

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 22: Goalie Michal Neuvirth #30 of the Washington Capitals watches a rebound during an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 22, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Paul Beres

In 2009-10, Jose Theodore was far from his Hart Trophy days in Montreal, but he had a solid season in net. The Caps supported him with a league-high 318 goals, so he had plenty of room for error. But Theodore has struggled in the postseason, where he’s 19-28. In the 2009 playoffs, he had showed signs of wilting under pressure. And after a Game 1 loss in 2010, he allowed goals on the first two shots in Game 2. He was pulled and his career with the Caps was over.

There seems to be a lot more confidence in the Caps’ goaltending this season. Michal Neuvirth looked steady in 48 games and will likely get the start in Game 1. Semyon Varlamov has battled injuries, but he’s played very well in the heat of the playoffs. Don’t be surprised to see coach Bruce Boudreau rotate his two netminders until one of them is too hot to sit.

Mike Green's Return Will Boost a Solid Blueline

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WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 06: Mike Green #52 of the Washington Capitals warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Verizon Center on February 6, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Mike Green has missed 20 straight games since suffering a concussion on Feb. 25. Before that, he suffered a nasty gash after taking a puck to the side of the head during a win over Pittsburgh on Super Bowl Sunday, missing more significant time. He should be cleared to play in time for Game 1.

One would figure the All-Star defenseman was sorely missed, but the Caps won 16 of the 20 games in Green’s absence. Dennis Wideman has received a lot of credit for keeping the power play in order, and John Carlson had the first of what should be many solid seasons.

Green is also one of the Caps’ stars that has struggled in the playoffs. In his last 21 playoff games, he has one goal and 11 assists. With his defense average at best, scoring is paramount. The Caps responded well in his absence, so any offense he can provide will be a welcomed bonus.

There's Been a Semin Sighting

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 22: Alexander Semin #28 of the Washington Capitals passes during an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 22, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images

For the first time in his career, Alex Ovechkin looked human. His 32 goals and 53 assists were both career lows. He missed three games in late March to rest for the final push, but the Caps were 2-1 in his absence, including a 5-4 comeback over the Flyers.

It was in that Flyers’ game that Alexander Semin stepped up to score the game-winner. A Semin sighting late in the season is big, considering how the enigmatic sniper came under scrutiny for disappearing during the 2010 playoffs. Semin had no goals and just two assists in the seven games. Known for his skill rather than grit, Semin was a non-factor and was deservedly criticized.

The Canadiens provided a blueprint in how to stop the Caps offense. With Ovechkin drawing the attention of two defenders, a lot of ice was opened up for Semin to take advantage. He didn’t. But he’ll likely receive another chance.

They Have Conquered Adversity Already

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 01: The Washington capitals celebrate together during the 2011 NHL Bridgestone Winter Classic against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Heinz Field on January 1, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Washington won 3-1. (Photo by Jamie Squ

Over the course of 16 days in December, the Caps lost eight straight games. They lost both close games and blowouts. Most demoralizing was their habit of allowing early goals, making comebacks all the more challenging. All of this losing was documented by an HBO camera crew, which was taping for the reality series “24/7” in a lead-up to the Winter Classic against the Penguins. The Caps regrouped and won their biggest regular-season game of the year.

Several Capitals players acknowledged that the losing streak could be beneficial. A few bumps in the road can test a team’s resolve. After all, the Caps rarely had to play a game of consequence last season until they reached the playoffs. They then faced a hungry, motivated opponent that needed every point to qualify for the postseason. And we all know what happened next.

Lesson Taught, Lesson Learned

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WASHINGTON - APRIL 28: Jaroslav Halak #41 of the Montreal Canadiens celebrates as Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals skates away following the Canadiens 2-1 win in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup

Reports have suggested that the Caps may have been a little too overconfident entering last year’s playoffs, that they’re style of play during the regular season would suit them well for a run at the Cup. That’s understandable after a 54-15-13 season. But after their wide-open attack was contained and smothered, they became the first No. 1 seed to blow a 3-1 first-round series lead,.

The Canadiens beat the Caps in last year’s playoffs thanks in large part to doing the things the Caps were not willing to do. The Canadiens did not hesitate to hit the ice to block shots. Any shot that did find its way to Jaroslav Halak was usually stopped, thanks to the Caps’ inability to screen the Canadiens’ supremely confident goaltender.

After all the offense in the world did them no good in 2010, it became obvious that the Caps had to tighten the screws on defense. This year, they allowed the second-fewest goals in the Eastern Conference (197, compared to 233 last year). Washington is now viewed as a more balanced team. And that balance could tip the scales in the Caps’ favor.