Alex Ovechkin is ready.

The Washington Capitals' superstar winger scored a pair of goals in Monday's first-round series win over Columbus, and the Metropolitan Division winners are once again set to meet Pittsburgh in Round 2 as a result.

Even after being eliminated in each of the past two postseasons by the Penguins, Ovechkin is embracing the challenge.

"I can’t wait," he said, per Isabelle Khurshudyan of the Washington Post. "It’s a huge opportunity for us to take a step forward."

Ovechkin has, of course, been key to the Capitals' success to date, recording five goals and three assists in six games against the Blue Jackets.