You'd never know it from all the fan carping (myself included) , but it turns out that the Caps have been pretty damn good over the last month of the season. Based on these stats laid out by Mike Vogel, even the most critical supporter has to feel optimistic about the team's chances heading into the playoffs.

Washington has gained at least a point in seven straight games (5-0-2) and is 7-1-2 in its last 10. The Caps have scored four or more goals in six straight games for the first time in more than a year. They are 12-4-3 in their last 19 road games.

Since a brief three-game speed bump (0-3) at the outset of March, the Capitals are 10-2-3 in their last 15 games. Washington's power play is clicking at a rate of 28.8% (17-for-59) in those 15 games, and its penalty killing unit has also been stellar (54-for-62, 87.1%) over the same span.

-Dump and Chase