The Washington Capitals are on the brink.
Headed home trailing 3-1 to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Capitals believe they're ready to turn the series around after blowing the same lead in last year's playoffs.
"I think this team has lots of character," Alex Ovechkin told Mike Zeisberger of the National Post. "Last year, we were winning 3-1 and we lost the series, so we have to take that experience and turn it around our way."
Their elimination at the hands of the New York Rangers last spring added another ugly blemish to the Capitals' playoff history. Washington hasn't advanced to the third round in Ovechkin's eight playoff seasons with the team.
"I think it sucks. We wanted to tie the game and tie the series (Wednesday), but overall I think we have to play our game," Ovechkin added.
The Capitals' postseason despair has given them a losing reputation, but Ovechkin said the Presidents' Trophy winners need to focus on the present.
"It's totally different this year," Ovechkin said. "Like I said, last year we were winning 3-1 against the Rangers and we lost, so we just have to have the mentality shift to shift and period by period and try to turn it around, try to win the next game."
Three-time Stanley Cup winner Justin Williams also believes Washington can erase a two-game deficit by embracing the moment.
"You've got to err on the side of enthusiasm, not apprehension," Williams said, according to Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press. He added, "We need to come out on the winning edge and own the big moments. We haven't done that yet."
Netminder Braden Holtby, who's more than capable of stealing a game for his team, said the Capitals are poised to rise to the occasion.
"I don't think we're panicking at all in here," Holtby said. "We're just ready for this opportunity to show that we're capable of anything."
Washington's season is on the line when the puck drops for Game 5 at the Verizon Center on Saturday night.
