
I think there were a few key factors:
1. Ovechkin showed up and was clearly the best player on the team and in the playoffs. In years past he did not show up in the playoffs and that really hurts the team when your best player under performs. On the other hand, when your best player is playing out of his mind, it makes the 25 other guys better.
2. Speed is trendy in the new NHL but you still need big guys who can play physical hockey and get into the other teams' heads. After Game 2 the Caps were completely in the Knights' domes. They were frustrated that they couldn't skate around the Caps. Of course it helps that your big guys can score as well.
3. The Caps changed things up defensively after Game 1 when they looked like absolute shit. Whatever they did it worked because they completely dominated after Game 1.
3a. Holtby was the best goalie in the playoffs. The Save (TM) in Game 2 got the Caps over the hump.
What a performance! Barry Trotz is gonna get paid by someone, whether it's the Caps is a toss up. Remember Mike Keenan didn't return to the Rangers after 94.