It wasn't how they wanted to end the season on Saturday, losing to the Rangers 4-2, but the Washington Capitals were celebrating by the end of the night when the Islanders lost their last regular season game to give the Caps home ice.
The Islanders and Capitals split the season this year in 2-2, with the Islanders winning twice at home in overtime. The Capitals won both of their home games as well - one in regulation and one in a shootout.
The Capitals are one of the heaviest teams in the league and rely on size and skill. Alex Ovechkin won his 6th Rocket Richard Trophy this season with 53 goals, and could very well capture his 4th Hart Trophy as league MVP. Ovechkin scored 4 goals and added an assist in the season series against the Islanders.
Nicklas Backstrom lead all scorers with 6 points in the series.
Washington will be battling the Islanders in the playoffs for the first time in 22 years, and honestly is a nice change of pace from seeing the Rangers and the Bruins every year - not to mention the Canadiens.
The Caps have been a playoff disappointment in the Ovechkin-era, and it stems from the 2010 series against the Canadiens in which current Islanders goalie, Jaroslav Halak, lead the Habs back from a 3-0 deficit to defeat the heavily favored Caps. Halak was brought in by Isles GM Garth Snow this season, acquiring the net-minder from the Capitals over the summer.
During the season series, Halak held a 2.34 goals against and a .906 save percentage with two wins against the Caps.
While Washington did make some substantial upgrades, adding defensemen Brooks Oprik and Matt Niskanen over the summer and Curtis Glencross and Tim Gleason at the deadline, the biggest factor this season would be Braden Holtby.
Holtby has been stellar this year, and a lot of that has to do with his new coach, Mitch Korn. Holtby's confidence and positioning has been a 180 from last season, and while the Caps defense has been more stingy, Holtby has shut down opposing teams and stolen games for Washington.
The Islanders speed and skill on the forecheck will be the most difficult for the Caps to contain. The Isles play fast and can get behind the defense quickly and gain control of the zone. The Caps will rely on Holtby's puck handling skills and their ability to take the body and not allow the Islanders room to create.
Home Ice Advantage could be the key as well. Washington could be the most under-rated rink in the league when it comes to their fans. It is one of the loudest rinks I have ever been in, and the fans erupt and bring the building alive when the Caps score.
On the other side, in New York, the Islanders will playing their swan song in Nassau Coliseum. With the team moving to Brooklyn next season, the loyal fans of Long Island will make it tough for the Capitals. There is a lot of history between these two teams in the playoffs back in the 80's, and neither side will ever forget 1987 when Pat LaFontaine ended a 4 period overtime. The Islanders fans have been craving the playoffs and have a lot to prove.
The puck drops at 7pm in DC on Wednesday.
The series schedule (via Monumental Sports):
GAME 1: Wednesday, April 15 at Washington, 7:00 p.m.
TV: Comcast, USA, Sportsnet, TVA Sports
GAME 2: Friday, April 17 at Washington, 7:00 p.m.
TV: Comcast, NBCSN, Sportsnet, TVA Sports
GAME 3: Sunday, April 19 at New York, noon
TV: NBC, Sportsnet, TVA Sports
GAME 4: Tuesday, April 21 at New York, 7:30 p.m.
TV: Comcast, USA, SN 360, TVA Sports
GAME 5: Thursday, April 23 at Washington, TBD (if necessary)
TV: TBD
GAME 6: Saturday, April 25 at New York, TBD (if necessary)
TV: TBD
GAME 7: Monday, April 27 at Washington, TBD (if necessary)
TV: TBD