The Capitals lead the best-of-7 series and can end it by winning Game 6 at Carolina on Monday (7 p.m. ET; NBCSN, SN, TVAS, FS-CR, NBCSWA).
Barry Trotz, who coached Capitals to the Stanley Cup last season, warned after receiving his Cup ring Nov. 26, that, yes, they have a great chance to repeat, but to do it, "you'll have to through the (bleeping) Island."
RELATED: [Complete Capitals vs. Hurricanes series coverage]
And so it is that the New York Islanders, coached by Trotz after he was unable to agree to a new contract with Washington following last season, would be the next opponent for the Capitals if they're able to eliminate the Hurricanes.
But until the Capitals do, they're wisely putting aside any thoughts of Trotz and the Islanders, who swept the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round.
"I don't think we're really thinking about that opponent at all right now," Washington coach Todd Reirden said Sunday. "We're trying to get through this one. We know we've got to be at our very best tomorrow to be able to knock this team out because they've been one of the best in the League from the start of the year on for a reason. So, it's going to be a tough out."
Playing without forward T.J. Oshie, who fractured his right clavicle in a 2-1, Game 4 loss at Carolina on Thursday, the Capitals made a strong statement with a 6-0, Game 5 win at home on Saturday.
After allowing the Hurricanes to dictate the style and pace of play through the first four games, the Capitals got back to their identity as a physical forechecking team and put together a complete effort for the first time in the series.