Better Know a Contender. PERIOD

The right to own a gun is largely framed in terms of self-defense measures.  I have a right to protect my family and so I should be allowed to have a gun in my possession.  Sounds fair enough.  But what it leaves out is that guns are not defensive weapons.  An alarm system is a defensive weapon.  Guns were created to kill.  Not to kill intruders with, but to intrude with.  Take what is needed, and be on your way.  A store clerk can have a gun behind the counter, but if the bandit has a gun in his face already, then that gun is staying where it's been all along and the money in the register is going out the door.  Even if the bandit's gun is not loaded or is even a fake, fear is induced and the first step toward victory is achieved.

The Washington Capitals have been causing teams across the NHL to stash a gun behind the counter should they come across them anytime soon.  The Capitals seem to have all the weapons in the world at their disposal; scoring on the break, scoring from the circles, scoring from the point, and using the greatest weapon in the sport to instill a sense of fear and panic in defender and goalies league-wide.

A game with no penalties on either side?  They'll beat you 3-2... At least.
Give them four power plays in the same game?  They'll score once... At least.
In fact, be prepared to allow 4 goals when you play them... At least!

So, it's all very clear that while they're holding up the bank, they got enough firepower to crack the safe and maybe even shoot it out with the police for a few hours before getting out of there scot-free. 

But what about their hideout?  Every crook's got a hideout, right?  It's the key to their safety.  A place where the money can be counted, information can be gathered, and caps can be tortured... Sorry, Reservoir Dogs has been on the tube quite a bit lately.  And, of course, it better be well-hidden, or well-protected.

2.77 goals allowed per game? (16th in the league)
78.8% on the shorthand? (25th in the league)
And only 4 shorties to show for it?
A starting goalie with a 2.88 GAA?

We found the soft spot, boys.  Now let's hit them where it hurts. 

For the Capitals are nothing to fear.  You're going to take your licks, and let up some goals, because with all those bullets whizzing at you, it's just bound to happen.  But just understand, that if you can get passed their frontline, then there's nothing beyond it but a clear path to their undoing.  Because there's no one that's going to stop you.  Especially when their secret hideout is being defended by a couple of cap guns.

Players to Watch:

Nicklas Backstrom - The smoothest player on skates.  While that other guy they have is like a rock'em sock'em robot on the ice, Backstrom plays the game with grace; always in control and always in the right place at the right time.  He's the consistent cog on this team and the one that kept the whole thing churning for 82 straight games, even when that other guy was busy serving suspensions.  And Backstrom is the guy that will bring this team to the Finals... Unless he disappears as he did during last year's playoffs.

Mike Knuble - The offseason acquisition that was supposed to put this team over the top.  Well, so far it looks as if he did.  Averaging over 50 points over the last 7 seasons, Knuble was brought in to add depth to a formerly one-line team.  If Knuble can keep the offense going when that other guy is off the ice, then Washington's questionable defense can remain sheltered for at least the first few rounds of the playoffs.

The Invisible Man - Or, that other guy.  You gonna show up this time around, Ovie?  Or, are we gonna see a little Vancouver 2010 redux?  Gonna tuck your tale between your legs at the first sign of trouble?  Maybe pick a fight with a young tourist on the way home?  You're the new Peyton Manning, soldier.  One more disappointing postseason and we're gonna start calling you Marino.  Sort it out.

Sidney's better.