The Leafs have proven they can play with the Capitals in a playoff environment.  But there is a difference between playing with the Capitals and beating the Capitals.  That is the next gear they need to find because the Capitals will surely bring a different game to the ACC and back in DC.

The Leafs have come a long way this season, especially if you look at the evolution of the comments....going from the Leafs s*ck, harping on 50 years of futility, and them never making the playoffs to silence from many of the haters who have to deal with a team that is competing with the President's Trophy winner in a playoff context.  The haters seek to discredit the direction taken by Leaf ownership around creating a winning franchise based on quality management, smart (and lucky) drafting, and elite coaching.  Who knows what will happen in the next week but the path taken to date reflects thoughtful strategy and effective execution (with some luck thrown in).