The Capitals aren’t talking like heavy underdogs. They enter the Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Thursday night at the Garden saying this is just as much their series to win as the favored Rangers.
“Statistically, media-wise, obviously we’re the underdog, but I don’t believe anyone in here looks at it as far as being overmatched,” Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby said. “The league now is so close. You look at the last playoffs, it really doesn’t matter where you finish. It’s how you play, how you prepare. It’s something that doesn’t really cross your mind.
“We believe we can beat any team in the league.