How they got here. Heading into the season, the talk surrounding Alex Ovechkin was whether he had regressed and if he'd ever win a Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals. Well, the 32-year-old put the first question to rest by leading the league in goals, with 49, this season. He can emphatically take a step forward with concern No. 2 if he slays his playoff demons and his team finally beats the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round.
The Capitals fought through an early goalie controversy to shake the pesky Columbus Blue Jackets in six games in Round 1.