CAPS ELIMINATE RANGERS!!!

GREAT game! After Game 4, I was thinking about going to Game 5 and being there to have the opportunity to see the Caps eliminate the Rangers and advance to Round 2 of the playoffs. The tickets were pretty expensive but my son was begging to go and it really didn't take much for me to get the tickets. After shelling out the cash for the tickets, overspending on some food at the stadium, I will say that being at that game with my son was a great experience and a great memory that for both of us. Walking out of Verizon Center, I had a great time and it was some of the best money I have ever spent.

A few things about the game:

1. The Caps crowd has got to be some of the best fans in all of sports. It was super loud from start to finish in there. I love that we have some of our own special cheers too. A few minutes before the game started, the jumbo tron displayed some quotes from media and, more importantly, players on opposing teams saying how loud and great of a crowd the Caps have. There is no question in my mind that the fans helped pump up the Caps and intimidate the Rangers.

2. Caps were awesome. That was playoff hockey. We controlled the tempo. We had the better opportunities and the stars shined. Goals from Green, Ovie, and Semin, arguably our three best players, were awesome as they led the way.

3. Neuvy was huge again. The guy is showing us that it doesn't matter that he is a rookie, he can handle these games. He is also making us forget about Varly pretty fast. There is no doubt that he is the number 1 and he has earned the spot. Give a lot of credit to this kid for being confident and playing like a proven vet.

4. Strong strategy. We took the game to them early on. We took the lead and then we played strong defense. Again, that is playoff hockey and that is what will carry this team deep into the playoffs.

5. McPhee is dead on. Watched an interview of McPhee after the game and the normally stoic McPhee was visibly happy and could take a breath of relief. One thing he said that stood out was that training camp seemed like a long time ago. The Winter Classic and all the HBO stuff seemed like a long time ago. However, being eliminated last year still seems very fresh and I think that is the feeling that most players and fans feel.

In the end, it is clear that this is a very different team from last year. It is clear that they have learned from last year and made the necessary changes to become a championship caliber team. It's funny to think how many fans were down on the Caps this season especially when they hit that 8 game slump. There was talk of firing Boudreau. Even Robs wanted Boudreau out. I am not a fan of firing a coach during the season. I also thought the players enjoyed Boudreau. I had always maintained that they made these changes to the strategy so lets at least give the guy the opportunity for the remainder of the season and the playoffs will be what determines his fate. Right now, things are looking good. I like this team and feel like they fully appreciate and understand the system now. They also look like they are out on a mission as opposed to last year where they looked like arrogant gunslingers. There is a maturity about this team and balance of older vets and young hungry guys that has mixed well.

We did what we needed to do by getting through Round 1 quickly. We are the only team in the East to have their series decided. Now we get to rest up and have the guys nicked up recover and we wait and see who our next opponent is. It looked like it was going to be Buffalo yesterday but they blew two leads and ultimately lost in OT. While I'd like Buffalo, I don't really care. To be the best, you have to beat the best and frankly I don't think any team will look forward to playing the Caps. Looking forward to Round 2.

UNLEASH THE FURY!!!