Last time the Caps had a big, emotional win over a divisional rival, they then followed it up with an absolute dud against a visiting Western Conference bottom-feeder. It was a concern, perhaps, that the pattern would repeat itself after slapping a 6-0 win on the Penguins only to return home to face the last-place Blackhawks at home.
Thankfully, last night – unlike their miserable outing against the Coyotes – the Caps were focused on the task at hand, jumped out to an early (and important) lead, and took care of business against a Chicago team that they definitely needed to beat.