It's Panic Time

The Caps officially have reached panic mode after falling into an 0-2 hole. If this team has any shot at advancing, they need to beat the New York Rangers tomorrow night at Madison Square Garden. But with this group of Caps, it's easier said than done.

Yes, the Caps played a much better game during Saturday's 1-0 loss. And yes, Henrik Lundqvist is the biggest reason the Caps have gotten themselves into this situation. But he's not the only reason.

The Caps still refuse to pay the price that it takes to win playoff series. Not games; series. Until they completely change their mentality, or it's changed for them through offseason roster moves, then they will be the San Jose Sharks of the Eastern Conference: tons of talent, no playoff success.

Coach Bruce Boudreau can only try to tell them this so many times. And don't blame him: he is the type of person who did this during his playing career. He worked so hard to get where he did and barely got a chance to play in the NHL. Gabby has said as much too many times to recount this season. He now needs players on his roster to support that goal. I'm not suggesting wholesale changes, but things must be done for sure. This will have to be the top priority in the offseason.

Until then, the few players that are doing this night after night (Brooks Laich, Tomas Fleischmann and Eric Fehr) will have to lead the team. The best line during game two was that of David Steckel, Matt Bradley and Boyd Gordon. Unfortunately for the team, offense is not that trio's prowess. But they are willing to pay the price night after night while displaying the grit and determination to get things done.

Pretty goals don't win the Stanley Cup; the Caps need to realize that. Shots from the perimeter are either blocked or totally miss the net. Yes, some are successful. But that's an exception, not a rule.

As for Alex Ovechkin, he seemed more determined to hit people than shoot the puck. His shots were from closer range -- but he seemed out-of-sync for most of the game. His trademark move of using a defenseman as a screen in a shot from the slot was non-existent and didn't seem determined to change that.

Playoff hockey is about grit; the Caps just aren't showing it right now. And, quite frankly, I'm not sure this group of players is capable of doing that every minute of every game. Until they learn that lesson, these kind of series losses to harder-working teams are going to be the norm.

These Caps are young, but not they're ignorant. Something has to change.