The Capitals have a chance to advance to the second round by winning their first game at Madison Square Garden in the series in Game 6. In fact, the Rangers haven't won on the road in this series either. The Capitals know MSG will be rocking, but they believe it's a matter of adjusting to the way New York played in Games 3 and 4, which they believe has happened now. "They made adjustments for Game 3 and it took us two games to figure that out," Karl Alzner said. "We thought we had it figured out in Game 4, but they came out really hard again. So it's just all about being able to adapt, and they changed and we didn't get there quick enough. There's no doubt that it's a tough building to play in; they'll have more energy and more emotion but we've got to use that [to our advantage]."

Karl Alzner got his first point of the year in Tuesday's comeback win over Florida. He scored on a slapshot at the 5:33 mark of the second to even the score at 2-2 in what would eventually become a 6-5 overtime win. Alzner is known more for his defensive game than offense, so it isn't surprising that he had been pointless in the team's previous 12 games. He has averaged nearly 21 minutes of ice time per contest and has 25 blocked shots to his credit.

The Capitals say the little mistakes are adding up to big problems through the season's first 10 games. The Caps have been a big disappointment at 2-7-1, which is the worst record in the NHL. They rank among the bottom third in goals for (2.30 per game) and top three in the most goals given up (3.60 per game). "I don't think there's one big gaping problem, but I think there's a couple little things that are really hurting us," defenseman Karl Alzner said. "I think that our [power play and penalty kill] haven't been very good. . And I think that some of the little mental errors that we're making, it doesn't seem like we're getting the same thing for. A lot of it's just going against." Sure, the little mistakes add up but it seems like there are bigger issues right now for this team.

Karl Alzner was happy with the resiliency the Capitals showed in their 3-2 overtime loss to the Devils. Coach Adam Oates had described his team as "fragile" a day earlier. The message was sent, as they went down 2-0 but came back to grab a point. "We've been a pretty weak minded team the last few games," defenseman Karl Alzner said. "Tonight was the first night we showed a little bit of resilience and actually battled. ... Everyone was just so mad at the way we were playing and the results that we're not getting. No one's happy about that, so guys were battling as hard as they possibly could."

Karl Alzner doesn't see conflicting viewpoints on the lockout standing in the way of team success once the Capitals take to the ice following a new CBA. Roman Hamrlik and Michal Neuvrith drew the ire of several locked-out players, including their Washington teammates Troy Brouwer and Alex Ovechkin, for criticizing NHLPA boss Donald Fehr. "It is what it is," Alzner said "You're not always going to be best friends or get along with everybody you play with. It's almost impossible with different personalities. But when it comes down to playing and doing what you have to do, it's going to work out." The Capitals defenseman has chosen the chalk up the disagreements to frustration during a tense time, but he doesn't see it becoming an issue. Neuvirth has already apologized for saying that the lockout is about "several superstars with big contracts," while Hamrlik has spoken to Brouwer to patch things up as well.

Karl Alzner doesn't like how the CBA negotiations are going. "The only part that bugs me? The whole (perception) of give-and-take, give-and-take, on both sides," says Alzner. "It's mainly just us that's giving, and owners taking. We think that it's fair in our eyes. There's not a whole lot else that we can do if they're not willing to accept an offer that we think is good. You have to say, 'Oh well, let us know when you want to.'" At this point, Alzner just wants to know when the CBA negotiations are done and not think about it too much beyond that. He was scheduled to make $1,270,000 this season before becoming a restricted free agent.

Karl Alzner admits that the players will probably have to end up giving something away in negotiations with the league, but he hopes that it won't have to be too much. "We know we're going to have to take a hit. It's just how big of a hit we need to take," he said. "I think both sides know what their next proposal is, it's just who wants to give it first. The owners know what their bottom percentage is and I'm sure Don [Fehr] knows what's going to be a good one for us economically. But who's going to be the first one to bite the bullet? No one wants to lose the negotiation. We understand we're definitely not going to win it." The players have been adamant through the process about not taking salary rollbacks, but when discussions wrap up and a deal is agreed upon some form of a pay cut will likely occur.

Karl Alzner and the Capitals want to keep their game simple when their semifinal series against the Rangers shifts to Washington for Game 3 on Wednesday night. "We've just got to remind ourselves: Don't get fancy. Don't try to make those extra plays. That is the hardest part of playing at home," Alzner said. "We've still got a lot of confidence at home. I think that's still where we play our best hockey. It'll really help, I think, against the Rangers. They're a good team on their ice. It'll be nice to get the crowd behind us so we can get a little bit more momentum." The 23-year-old defender has done an excellent job of shutting down the opposition's best players in the postseason thus far. Alzner has posted 15 hits, 23 blocks and a plus-1 rating in nine playoff games, while averaging 24:35 of ice time per contest.

Karl Alzner scored the Capitals' lone goal in a 2-1 loss Thursday night. It was Alzner's first goal and fourth point in eight games this season. Jeff Halpern and Jason Chimera each registered an assist for the Capitals.

Karl Alzner may decide to play without a visor this season after not wearing one during his off-season training sessions. "I'm going to skate like this for now, see how it is," he said. "Of course I'm a little nervous about sticks in the face, pucks in the face, but I'm going to see how it is in practice, maybe an exhibition game." This is the first time he has skated without a visor and he likes the improved vision, but safety could be enough of a concern for him to switch back.