from Zach Braziller of the New York Post,

The Capitals aren’t talking like heavy underdogs. They enter the Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Thursday night at the Garden saying this is just as much their series to win as the favored Rangers.

“Statistically, media-wise, obviously we’re the underdog, but I don’t believe anyone in here looks at it as far as being overmatched,” Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby said. “The league now is so close. You look at the last playoffs, it really doesn’t matter where you finish. It’s how you play, how you prepare. It’s something that doesn’t really cross your mind.

“We believe we can beat any team in the league. I’m sure everyone does, every team. We know that chances were we had to go through the Rangers to accomplish our goal. It’s not a shock to us. It’s not like we’re intimidated by any teams. We respect them a lot, but if you’re going to win, you have to beat the best regular season-wise. They were the best. We’re ready for the challenge.”

Capitals forward Tom Wilson, who drew the ire of the Islanders for his controversial hit on defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky that resulted in a concussion in the opening round, expects the series to be heated, with plenty of trash talking and physical play.

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