NHL Playoffs 2011: Capitals Appear Ready for Semifinal Challenge

The Washington Capitals finally managed to close out a series in decisive fashion on Sunday, eliminating the pesky New York Rangers in five games with a dominant performance in the series finale. 

The win meant more than simply vanquishing their opening round playoff demons; it also gave them the rare opportunity to take a few days off and prepare for their next opponent.

Unlike the Capitals-Rangers matchup, all three of the other quarterfinal series in the Eastern Conference have gone to seven games, meaning Washington will be by far the most well-rested team entering the second round.  

This time is critical for Washington, as they hope to get two vital pieces to their Stanley Cup puzzle back for the next round.  

Veteran forward Mike Knuble is recovering from an apparent hand injury that he sustained during Game 3 against New York, and offensive defenseman Dennis Wideman missed the whole opening round with a hematoma in his leg.  

With that being said, the Capitals seem to have a quiet confidence about them that was visibly absent in previous years. When Washington eliminated the same New York Rangers team in 2009, the team was jumping for joy after escaping the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 1998.  

This time around, the Capitals were far from satisfied after defeating the Rangers in Game 5.  

The players all seemed to recognize that this was only the beginning, and that the team has a lot more to accomplish before they can sit back and appreciate what they've done.  

This team doesn't simply believe they can win—rather, they expect to.  

All of the question marks that plagued the team previously were answered to some extent in the first round.  

The goaltending? Michal Neuvirth allowed eight goals in five games and silenced critics with his play.  

Mike Green's penchant for disappearing in the postseason? Green's five points and stellar defensive play dispelled that notion.  

Alexander Ovechkin's lack of offensive production this year? The captain put up six points in five games and scored two clutch goals.  

Alexander Semin's inability to score in the playoffs? The talented Russian potted three goals, including the breathtaking overtime goal in Game 1.  

This team is clearly different from the one that failed to deliver in the playoffs from 2008-2010, and they know it.  

Now it's time to show the rest of the league they can sustain this level of play for another three rounds.