They're still contenders. Great center depth, good wingers, good top 4, great goalie. It's just a matter of what Holtby will be get in the playoffs?

I know it's only 1 game so it's hard to judge, but I liked the way Oshie was skating last game vs Buffalo. I honestly think it's just taken a while to get his confidence/legs back after his concussion vs San Jose near the beginning of the season this year. Hopefully he just continues to build on last games performance, because that line looked really good (Conno, Kuzy, Osh).

Each series is just about as even as a coin toss. The Caps have Orpik and Wilson to wear down any team they can catch up to. That doesn't work against a quick team like Pittsburgh, so maybe those guys will be healthy scratches in that series, but against Philly, or Toronto, or Boston, they could make an impact.

Ovechkin's the best goal scorer in the league this year. Yes, Malkin is close behind, and Brassard is a fantastic playoff competitor, but each series is almost a coinflip. Another team could take out Pittsburgh, and at that point the Caps have decent odds the rest of the way.

Are you crazy!? Wilson is scoring AND can skate AND can get in your head. Any thought of scratching him in any series is just insane!

Okay.... move him or Connolly down to the fourth line so Vrana's allowed off the bench when speed is called for?

And what's wrong with being insane?