Washington Capitals: Top 5 Reasons We Will See Them in the Stanley Cup Finals

The Capitals have struggled in the postseason in recent years. Whether it is losing to Montreal as the one seed or bowing out to the Penguins on more than one occasion, the playoffs and the Capitals have not gone together very well.

This year seems different, though. The Capitals have actually been under the radar even though they are the number one seed in the Eastern Conference. People aren't giving them a shot because of their history. Well, enough is enough and the Capitals are ready for their Stanley Cup Finals run.

No 5: Caps Fans

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WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Washington Capitals fans cheer during the third period against the Carolina Hurricanes at the Verizon Center on March 29, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Washington Capital fans are vastly underrated. In fact, they have some of the greatest fans in hockey. They have gone through the trials and tribulations of losing in the postseason and they flat out deserve better.

The players feed off the crowd and vice versa, but I think the former is more correct. From the drop of the puck, Caps fans bright it!

The Capitals have one of the better home records in the NHL (25-8-8), and the fans have been bringing the passion the players need every night.

No 4: Role Players

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WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 13: Alexander Semin #28 of the Washington Capitals scores the game winning goal at 18:24 of overtime against the New York Rangers in Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Veriz

I couldn't believe Alexander Semin scored the game-winning goal last night to beat the Rangers. He isn't very good in the playoffs every single year. This is great news for Capitals fans.

He played in seven games last postseason and scored two points. He has played one game this postseason and has scored two points.

Two seasons ago he was pretty good against the Rangers, scoring five goals, but when the Penguins came calling he had zero goals.

People must remember that this is just one game. Still though, this has to be a great sign.

Bringing in veteran Jason Arnott was a great move. He brings playoff experience, toughness and a will to win. He isn't afraid of the big moment.

Mike Green also got on the board with an assist last night. He has only scored 12 points in the last two playoffs. He is one of the best scoring defenseman in the game, but rarely does it in the postseason.

Other guys need to step up as well, but the main role players need to do more. I think they will finally come around this year to help Ovechkin and the defense out.

No 3: Team Defense

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 01: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins battles for the puck against John Carlson #74 of the Washington Capitals during the 2011 NHL Bridgestone Winter Classic at Heinz Field on January 1, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvani

Team defense has been Washington's downfall (one of them) in recent years. This year is different, though.

They are playing much better team defense on the penalty kill (2nd overall) and are in the top five for goals allowed per contest (2.33).

This has been something that they have been lacking in years past. Last year they were 15th overall, allowing 2.77 goals per game.

Their penalty kill was an abysmal 26th in the league with a 78.8 kill percentage.

Two years ago they were ranked 20th in goals allowed per game (2.93) and 17th on the penalty kill (80.6).

Allowing just 2.33 goals a game and killing penalties at a rate of 85.6 percent really helps out in the playoffs.

Can these numbers translate into the postseason? I think they can.

No 2: No Sidney Crosby

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 01: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals and Sidney Crosby #81 of the Pittsburgh Penguins are seperated by a referee during the 2011 NHL Bridgestone Winter Classic at Heinz Field on January 1, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylva

Sidney Crosby may not be ready to play in this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs because of a concussion he suffered in early January.

It wouldn't be impossible if he came back to the Penguins, especially if they make it past the first or second rounds, but that is a big if.

The Pittsburgh Penguins, collectively, have been a thorn in the side of the Capitals in recent history. In sports, it seems like all teams have that one squad that always gives them trouble and the Penguins are that team to the Capitals.

Without Crosby, the Penguins don't score enough to get by the Capitals. This is the perfect situation for the Capitals to be in if they play the Penguins.

They have to get by the Penguins if Crosby doesn't play. If not this year, when?

If he does play, game on.

No 1: Alexander Ovechkin

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WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals against the Carolina Hurricanes at the Verizon Center on March 29, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Ovechkin, for a while, was considered the best hockey player in the world. Then came the Penguins and Sidney Crosby winning the Stanley Cup a few years back.

Then, Crosby wins a gold medal at the Winter Olympics by scoring the game-winning goal.

Ovechkin was forced to sit, listen and watch Crosby grasp the honor of being labelled the best player in the world. You would think that he has to be focused and determined to get over the hump and make it to the Stanley Cup.

He hasn't had his normal season numbers-wise, but that doesn't matter. He is still the best sniper in the world and has come through in big games. It's the other guys he needs to depend on who haven't been getting it done.

He is ready to take a stab at being labelled the best player in the world. He has the perfect opportunity to do so this season.

His team has the best record in the east, a better overall defense, role players that may be ready to step up and most importantly, possibly no Sidney Crosby.

The Capitals must take advantage of the moment and I think they will.