Ron Burgundy Said It Best...

-- "I'm in a glass case of emotion!" --

Last night's Capitals game put even the most loyal fans in a state of fear and doubt before pulling off a 4-3 double OT win.

I'll be the first one to admit that I didn't start following hockey until I jumped on the Capitals bandwagon when they made the playoffs in 2008. However, that's one of the greatest choices I've ever made as a sports fan. I quickly acclimated myself to the sport, watching as many games as I could. I started going to games, despite the growing demand and increase in prices and even got myself a #30 Varlamov jersey after his Superman acts in goal in 2009. I don't consider myself a diehard fan of the sport, but watching the Capitals definitely provides my daily dose of adrenaline during the winter.

I half expected last night's game to be a blowout for either team. The Rangers were going to throw Boudreu's words back at him for insulting their home arena, or the Capitals were going to be so angry for losing game 3 that they were going to prove their dominance over the lowly bluecoats.

However, since their home sweep last week, the Caps hadn't played hockey like a #1 seed should in 5 straight periods, losing game three, and putting themselves in a 3-0 hole in game 4. I literally had my head in my hands. Another flop by a local DC team. You can ask just about anybody that I said weeks before the playoffs, that if the Capitals had to play the Rangers in the first round, then bye bye Stanley Cup.

Someone should have slapped me and told me to get my head on straight.

Everybody knows the Caps changed their playing style to focus on their defense half way through the season, but last night, they finally brought out their true team identity.

The Caps came out in the third period playing like they used to. Forget defense, they had to score goals. We the fans haven't seen that in a long time. After tying the game and going into overtime, they reverted straight back to their new defensive ways, eventually leading to that game winning goal by Jason Chimera, his second game winning goal of the series.

The Capitals proved why they're the best team in the NHL right now. They might not be getting dominant wins, but they're proving their dominance in other ways on the ice. No other team can bring out their inner monster without damaging their normal body. The Caps didn't even look tired in either OT period.

I expect game 5 at home in DC to be like kids at the playground, not just for the fans, but the team as well. The Rangers are depleted, and the Capitals have finally figured out the playoffs, and learned a lot about themselves in the process.

I'm Chris Brese. You stay classy, DC.