Game Seven: 'It's What You Dream About'

For the second consecutive spring, the Caps find themselves hosting a game seven against a former Patrick Division opponent. And at this point in the season, pep talks are a bit passe.

"If it's hard for anybody in this room to get ramped and excited for a game seven in our own building against the New York Rangers..."

Brian Pothier, who didn't get to play the Flyers last April, wasn't able to finish his sentence -- but the unspoken words were clear.

"It's what you dream about. Game sevens, you're playing street hockey on the pond growing up," he added. "These are the moments that you dream about -- Bobby Orr or whatever -- on the pond. Game seven is the best, the ultimate sportsman's dream or whatever you want to call it. We expect the place to be absolutely electric. There's a lot on the line, so it'll be fun."

Pothier's spot in the line-up isn't the only potential difference from the Flyers game. Chris Clark, who also missed out last spring, might suit up against the New York Rangers.

"These guys know what to bring. It's game seven, you lose you go home for either team," the captain said. "We don't want it to be our last game. It's something that, I know it's a cliche, but we have to stick to our game plan and stick to the things that have brought you this far."

"Game seven is the time when [momentum] really goes out the window," Eric Fehr added. "A couple lucky shots here or there, could go either way. That's the beauty of a game seven."

Last year's overtime loss to the Flyers still resonates with Viktor Kozlov.

"I think the guys understand the mistakes they make before," he said. "We cannot take them easily, especially in the playoffs. Everybody play so great."

And with that, the Caps are ready to play in their biggest game of the year -- again.