BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Now comes the hard part for the Capitals: how to transform themselves from feel-good playoff team to Stanley Cup contender.

But before the Capitals look to bolster their roster from the outside, they must first take care of their own. Here’s what the Caps face in the offseason:

Restricted free agents » The Capitals have six, none more important than defenseman Mike Green. He and Brooks Laich, who had 21 goals this season, are in for big raises. Boyd Gordon is a top penalty killer. Shaone Morrison is a good young defenseman. The trick, though, is to sign them before free agency starts July 1. Otherwise, they risk another team throwing silly money at them, preventing the Caps from matching.

The Traded Guys » The Caps need to re-sign goalie Cristobal Huet (one of six unrestricted free agents). They started focusing on goalies in the draft two years ago, but no one is yet NHL-ready. A bridge is needed; that’s Huet (he shouldn’t cost more than $6 million a year). The question is, did he and his wife like their time in Washington? Makes a difference, though the chance to play for a winner, and make a lot of money, could trump anything else. As for Sergei Federov, they can survive if he leaves with Michael Nylander returning from injury. Matt Cooke would be welcomed back at the right price.

Olie Kolzig » It’s well-speculated that Kolzig’s time in Washington is likely over. He removed the nameplate from his locker and he did not attend the final team meeting Wednesday. If he’s done — would he be in a better spot than this if he signs elsewhere? — then the Caps should retire his number, hold a special day for him next season and maybe even offer him a job in some sort of community relations role. He likely won’t live here, but could return occasionally for events.

Picking these guys could be a big risk

With more and more money lavished on rookies, teams can’t afford to make mistakes. If they take one of these three players, that’s what they could be doing.

Kansas CB Aqib Talib » He’s fading fast because of multiple failed drug tests. At one point he was penciled into the first round, but that’s very iffy these days. One Redskins source spoke of gray areas in character about receiver James Hardy. But when it came to Talib, there was no gray area.

Michigan WR Mario Manningham » He has potential, having made numerous big catches in college, finishing with 72 receptions. And he had a knack for plays downfield. However, Manningham only ran the 40-yard dash in 4.62 seconds — a bad time for someone supposed to be a burner. Then there’s the off-field stuff; he flunked drug tests and had a bad reputation at Michigan.

One talent evaluator said, “I wouldn’t mess with him.”

USC TE Fred Davis » Neither the Redskins nor the Ravens have a pressing need at tight end. That’s a good thing. Davis has loads of potential; at 6-foot-3, 255 pounds he passes the eye test and received the Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end this past season. But there are way too many questions about who he hangs around. That’s always a major problem.

Can Terps stay on top despite losses?

The losses were severe, evidenced by forwards Crystal Langhorne and Laura Harper being selected in the top 10 of the WNBA Draft.

But that won’t derail the University of Maryland women’s basketball team.

So says Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman. She’s in Detroit this week to honor Terrapins point guard Kristi Toliver with the Nancy Lieberman Award, given annually to the nation’s top female college point guard.

“We have yet to see the best of Kristi Toliver,” Lieberman told The Examiner’s Ron Snyder.

Lieberman told Snyder she expect Maryland to remain one of the top teams in the nation.

However, Lieberman said Maryland - which advanced to the Elite Eight this season - would have a different look next season.

“Maryland will be much more of an outside-in team next year with Kristi Toliver and Marissa Coleman leading the way,” she said. “If Coleman is not an All-American next year there is something wrong.”

In case you missed it

Justin Boren just did the unthinkable: he transferred from Michigan to Ohio State. Though he grew up in Ohio, his father played for Bo Schembechler at Michigan. Boren even started as a sophomore this past season. But he announced his intentions to leave Michigan during the offseason, indirectly citing new coach Rich Rodriguez and a loss of “family values”. Michigan football alum have their own issues with Rodriguez, whom they feel is cutting ties to the past.

On the record

“I’ve been called whatever they call me — a lot — since I was a kid. My first five or six (years), I was ‘That N-word.’ Some people would chant that out, some people would throw beer or whatever . . . batteries.”

— Angels CF Torii Hunter about how he’s been treated by Red Sox fans.

“[Pat Summit] accused us of cheating at recruiting. She doesn’t have the courage to say it publicly … Some people, that’s just their style, they’re passive-aggressive.”

— UConn womens’ basketball coach Geno Auriemma on why the regular-season series vs. Tennessee ended.

Just asking …

1 Why doesn’t Joe Paterno catch more heat for how many of his players get arrested?

2 Anyone want to change their minds on the NBA MVP after what Chris Paul has done the first two games?

3 Does anyone remember that Bill Parcells had the first pick in the 1997 draft — and traded it because he didn’t want to pick an offensive tackle first (Orlando Pace)?

4 Will Phoenix coach Mike D’Antoni be out of a job if the Suns lose this series, whether it’s his decision or the front office’s?

5 How long did Gary Bettman cry after losing a potential Sidney Crosby-Alex Ovechkin matchup?