Capitals Historic Journey to The Cup- Part 3

Recently, I wrote Part 2 of my trip down memory lane in the Capitals 2018 Stanley Cup Championship run. Thanks for checking in for part 3.

The Columbus Blue Jackets, led by long time nemesis and rival coach, John Tortorella, came into DC and stunned the heavily favored Capitals in OT of game 1 of the opening round. Then in the middle of game 2, desperate and on the brink of going down 0-2, Barry Trotz made the decision to pull Grubauer and go back to Holtby. And right away, Holts looked confident, blocking many shots and keeping the Caps in the game. Down 4-3 late and desperate to tie, Caps fans were on pins and needles, nervous and fearing the worst. Emotions we as Caps fans have anguished through many times. Then TJ Oshie scored, and Capital One Arena was in a frenzy. There was new life. It looked like the Caps would prevail and avoid going down in a near insurmountable 0-2 hole. But then in OT, the Jackets would once again stun the Caps and hometown faithful. Though some good things happened in the game, including encouraging play by Holts, the Caps would have their backs against the wall. Yes, the team chemistry and outstanding, emerging leadership that had been on display, was about to be put to the test.

After the crushing game 2 loss, team captain Alex Ovechkin boldly declared that the Caps would win the next 2 on the road and come back home. Yes, the Caps would have to go on the road and play in a tough environment against a hungry team- who had never won a playoff series- and it’s hungry, rabid fanbase. And as expected, both teams exchanged blows, went back and forth, and once again…went to overtime. Then, went to double-OT. The game, season, player and franchise legacies on the line. One bad bounce, one unlucky moment for the Caps- which we as fans have endured countless times before- and this series was likely over at 0-3 down. In a piece in the “Players Tribune”, Braden Holtby said this about the OT:

“There’s a shot from the point. Goes through bodies. I don’t see it. It hits the knob of my stick. Deflects wide. If that shot is an inch to the left or right, we’re done. Down 0-3. No chance. We’re failures again. We can’t win the big one. Same old story. But it hits my knob. I didn’t do anything different than I normally do. It just happened to hit my knob. So then what happens? We go down and score.”

Yes, the Caps would go down and score. Lars Eller would score the kind of goal, an ugly, crazy bounce-type goal, that had often gone against us in painful, frequent fashion of the countless heartbreak years of past. But now we got a bounce, and game-winning goal. There was new life. Yes, still a tough hole down 1-2 and still not having home ice, but there was now hope, and momentum.

In game 4, the Caps would win just as Ovi guaranteed, and suddenly the nearly insurmountable 0-2 road deficit was tied, with home ice swinging back to the Caps favor.

I was excited to take my son, JT to game 5 for his first Caps playoff game. The game atmosphere was electric. Though there there seemed to be some of the typical Caps fan anxiety- in some ways still fearing the worst and typical playoff heartbreak- I still sensed a little different feel. Talking to fans around me there was a new hope, as our boys seemed to be on the brink of elimination and gut-wrenching series defeat when last leaving the home arena down 0-2. But to bounce back and win both on the road- especially how it was done including the lucky bounces in game 3- the Caps seemed to be in a different position historically, rising with momentum and new swagger, vs. being the team that was losing swagger and letting go of a series lead. They now seemed to be in the Jackets’ head. The Jackets would actually score the first goal on a shorty (Caps on power play) to go up 1-0, but the Caps would bounce back quickly to go up 2-1. Then the Jackets tied it at 2. Once again the Caps responded to go up 3-2. But then, the game momentum shifted as not only would the Jackets score early in the 3rd period to tie it, they would then continue to absolutely dominate the 3rd period. Everything felt like it was tilting in the Jackets favor: shots on goal, puck possession in the Caps zone, the passing, everything. But the game remained tied, mostly because of incredible blocks by Holtby, and a little bit of luck! Yes, all the things that historically went against the Caps, with the other team having the hot goalie, bounces go against us, etc., were now surprisingly tilting to our favor. When the 3rd period ended in a tie, yes it felt like the Caps survived the Jackets onslaught- probably their most dominant sequence of the entire playoffs- but it also reinforced what it felt like earlier in the game: that perhaps things could be different with this Caps team, as we were now getting breaks in our favor. That said, I will never forget how I could just feel and hear every ounce of anxiety from every fan around us at the outset of what is perhaps the most nerve-wracking anxiety in sports: sudden death NHL playoff hockey! While on one end we were hopeful and on the edge of our seats wanting and in some ways expecting to go up 3-2 in the series, you also knew that in a flash we could be down 3-2 and on the brink of elimination. But Holts came to the rescue again, with marvelous saves in OT. And then, Nick Backstrom lit the lamp, sending our fans into a frenzy! Up to that point as a fan, it was probably the loudest I could ever remember at a Caps home game. We hugged fans all around us with euphoria, and relief! I was so happy to be there with JT! I picked it up, flung him around, and we screamed with joy. Now the Caps were up 3-2, and we definitely felt confident that they were going to close the series out.

First Caps playoff game with JT! Caps/Jackets game 5: Nick Backstrom GW goal in OT.

In game 6, close them out we did. And yes it was the Captain, Alex Ovechkin, who would lead the way in scoring 2 goals. I had hoped and said all along, that on the way to a Stanley Cup the ideal scenario would involve Ovi also being the star and catalyst, and winning the Conn Smythe trophy.

So now things indeed felt different as the tables had turned. Now WE were the team who had shocked the other team who seemed to have control of the series, and rally to win down 2 games. Now WE were the team who now had the hot goalie stand on his head to thwart incredible play by the opposition and surge in confidence. Yes it was one series, only in the 1st round, and there was a long ways to go. But we had the upstart momentum.

And to my delight, we would once again get the chance to slay that dragon and get desired revenge, just as it would inevitably have to be for us to win a Stanley Cup to make it complete and feel right. For the 3rd straight season in the 2nd round, we would get to play the arch-rival, 2 time defending Champs: The Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Josh Harris Group Future is NOW!

Did it make me sick to see all the Cowboys fans in our house yesterday? Absolutely. Did it make me sick that they beat us to win the NFC East? Absolutely. But yesterday was the only time in my life that I can remember wanting to lose to the Cowboys. And trusting it will be the last! To secure the #2 slot of draft picks for the best chance of franchise altering trajectory is huge and in the big picture, way more important than this game vs. the despised Cowboys. (Looking forward to seeing the Lions get their revenge @ Dallas in the playoffs!)

If you have been paying attention since the Josh Harris Group took over, there has been so much to like from the jump. Though I was hopeful we may have a good season b/c of the change (very wrong about predicting 11 wins!), it was never about the season on the field. No matter what happened, nothing was going to dampen my optimism with this ownership group. And it shouldn’t for other Washington fans either. Taking over in late July (on my birthday!) gave them no chance to make any moves prior to the season. They communicated that it would be a sit back and evaluate kind of season. And in spite of many fans who wanted Rivera fired before the season ended, Harris stayed true to his word: giving Ron Rivera the full season, no matter what. Which I also think was smart as staying with him when things started unraveling actually gave us the better chance to lose out and get this #2 pick!

And now, we finally get to see what we have long anticipated: the Josh Harris Group ready for their first offseason, with many moves and exciting things upcoming.

As expected, Ron Rivera was let go this morning. Harris put out a very impressive, classy statement, communicating his gratitude for Rivera, and vision for the future.

And Rivera put out a great statement as well. No, this wasn't Danny firing Zorn at 4:30AM- after making him wait around for 2 hours- immediately after the team got back from their game. This was all class and respect, from both sides.

As I have said many times: I don’t think there is a head coach- perhaps ever- that I can think of who has had to deal with more adversity and organizational challenges than Ron Rivera. Cancer. COVID. Team name changes. Investigations. Allegations. Media onslaught. Snyder. Ownership changes. You name it. Yet through it all, he fought. He was determined, and relentless in his efforts to stay the course, not give up, not give in. And do his best. And I will forever respect him and be grateful for what he did here.

Remember what we often saw and grew sick of in years past? Dan and Vinny or Dan and Bruce running around rogue with no smart plan to chase and lure HC candidates? In stark contrast, Harris is demonstrating so much more brilliance and competence, by first surrounding himself with a team of advisors- including the well-respected Bob Myers who was the elite GM of the NBA 4X champ Warriors- to help evaluate who these next hires should be.

This is what smart, forward thinking good organizations do! Not only is it impressive how quickly they have assembled a team, and are jumping into this well thought of plan in lining up multiple interviews. But they have also done it without any leaks along the way!

Now we get to see how this exciting process unfolds and who is hired. For the first time in decades- before Snyder- we are about ready to see a true, successful structure: an actual GM who has true control of football operations (possibly a team president over him), and then a HC who the GM hires, who should have full control over the roster moves, in healthy tandem with the GM, assembling and having full control over the roster.

Why have I been so excited about this offseason?

- Harris Group gets to finally start making their moves with their people.

- We get a complete overhaul from Snyder's previous connections.

- We get a new GM, and possibly team president as well.

- We get a new HC

- We have a surplus of high draft capital: #2 overall round picks, 2- 2nd round picks, 2- 3rd round picks (5 picks in top 100!), and many others!

- We have about 90M of salary cap space!

- We may get a team name rebrand announcement!

- We may get RFK stadium announcement!

Yes, if you are paying close attention, there are many reasons to be excited about the future of the Washington, Burgundy & Gold, NFL football team. We just got to experience our version of "The process" in this 2023 on field season! Time to buy now friends.

This is indeed a new day. The future is NOW!

The Banner is Raised

Nearly four months after the Washington Capitals hoisted their first Stanley Cup Championship and then embarked on an unforgettable celebratory summer to remember, including each player having a day with the Cup (Parts 1, 2,) it was now time to get back to work. I often said during the summer, that while on one hand I wanted the euphoria and celebration of the championship to last forever, I was also ready for the boys to lace up the skates and hit the ice to defend the title.  

And now it was banner raising night. I was looking forward to making the most of everything that this special evening had to offer and wanted to soak it all in. The festivities began with the Capitals annual “Rock The Red Carpet” pre-game tradition, kicking off the new season. The players would arrive between 4:30-5:30 near the front entrance of Capital One Arena, and would stop and mingle with fans, take pictures, and sign autographs on the way inside. As expected, the Caps faithful and passionate fans came out in droves and not only filled both sides of the carpet route several deep, but along the outskirts of the street as well. It was a massive party. The Caps pre-game TV crew was outside. The NBC NHL TV crew was outside. The “keeper of the Cup”, Phil Pritchard brought the Stanley Cup, after spending a day around DC visiting places and giving away tickets to the game. Enthusiasm in welcoming the Champs home, along with anticipation for the incredible night of jubilant celebration that awaited, was at a fever pitch.

Though I was able to see every player who walked in fairly close up, I wasn’t able to get an autograph and picture of each one. I was however, fortunate to get a few pictures, and get my picture signed by TJ Oshie, John Carlson, Nicklas Backstroke, Devante Smith-Pelly, and Madison Bowey! I didn’t see a single player not sign for anyone. Everyone signed. Some signed quite a few. 

Nicky Backstrom

TJ Oshie

L to R: Bowey, DSP, Backy, Carly, Oshie

After all the players entered the building, I worked my way over to where the pre-game shows, and Phil Pritchard and the Stanley Cup were. Even though fans weren’t able to touch it, I was able to move in for some up-close pictures, including one with Phil Pritchard himself. Speaking of Mr. Pritchard, does he not have one of the most amazing jobs imaginable? Seriously, for 20+ years he has had the honor of traveling with and taking care of Lord Stanley’s Cup. He travels with players. He travels with teams. He travels with it in public to wow, amaze, and generously bless people with tickets. What a gig.

“Keeper of the Cup”- Phil Pritchard

Lord Stanley’s Cup- with Capitals included!

After all these exciting festivities, I was now ready to go back into the arena for the first time since walking out onto the jubilant and packed streets of chinatown of what ended up being the final home game of last season, the thrilling game 4 of the Final, when the Caps took our commanding 3-1 lead. It was good to be back for the opener to begin the title defense!

Now I have been asked many times, whether or not I think the Caps can, or will repeat. At the championship parade, TJ Oshie certainly fueled the thinking and put this out there for the fans! My immediate answer has been that we are no doubt still a very good team, with the core mostly intact, and should certainly be considered one of the contenders who could win the Cup. But just given the historical nature of sports and how difficult it is for any team to repeat as champions, I am preparing myself that we won’t repeat this year. And I’m completely ok and content with that. Would this squad have any Cup “hangover”? Would the epic and well-documented partying have any negative affect on conditioning and training to prepare for the season? Could the accomplishment of the long-awaited championship perhaps cause the team to lose a slight edge and not be quite as prepared and hungry this year? These are all reasonable questions I have contemplated, and heard from others as well. Now on the flip side, now that this franchise has finally achieved the once seemingly unattainable and impossible dream of a Cup, and slain so many dragons of painful history along the way, I believe it’s also reasonable to dream and legitimately hope that anything great is now possible. Could the floodgates open up and a run of championships- not necessarily in succession- be in the near future? Could the psyche and anticipation of great things from not just the team and organization, but also the entire fanbase now soar to new and unprecedented heights, vs. previous feelings among so many of inevitable doom and gloom, and ultimately heartbreak? I certainly can’t wait to find out. 

When asked about motivation for winning the Cup again, Nicklas Backstrom said. "We're capable to doing it. When you've done it once, you want to do it again. You want to have that same feeling again because it's a feeling you can't get enough of." What Backy said gives Capitals fans a good reason to hope that the players are not satisfied with one, but hopefully motivated and resolved to keep the foot on the gas peddle and build on this success.

Now going into this particular game, my feeling was that not only would it not surprise me at all if the Caps lost- especially because we were playing a very good Bruins team- but also because of the possible and unknown hangover factor. I was also not concerned in the slightest how the outcome went, nor did I honestly care. No matter what happened in the game, barring major injuries of course, nothing could dampen my enthusiasm and anticipation of this night being an unforgettable and incredible one to remember, for the ages. 

This was absolutely the best seat I have ever had, four rows behind the glass on the Caps defend (1st and 3rd period) side. And the best thing about this seat was that I was on the very end at the railing, right next to where the players would be introduced in the epic pre-game show!

Once the players came out onto the ice for warmups, the energy and excitement of what was to come would steadily grow in a crescendo of anticipation. Then once the players left the ice, in just a few moments, the extended party we had all been waiting for was about to begin. What would happen, and how?

The lights would turn off and right away as if on cue, we would all turn on our red glow sticks, just like we did during both home games of the Stanley Cup Final. The building would come alive to a next level, as the jumbotron played a new highlight production with “I Will Wait” as the theme song (which became my favorite happy song over the summer played many times in my home!), similar to the first version released after we got the Cup. It was perfect. As I stood there and recorded, I thought that indeed, all of this has been worth the wait.

Then right after this first special moment that would kick off the series of special moments, it was time to introduce the champs. The crowd was so jacked up. The noise and individual player chants were deafening. And the music from “I Will Wait” continued to play as each player skated out. It was perfect. As expected, the loudest eruption took place when the Captain, Alex Ovechkin came out last, holding Lord Stanley’s Cup.

The Captain, Alex Ovechkin bringing out Lord Stanley’s Cup!

It was sheer jubilation between who is arguably the greatest athlete in DC sports history, and the fans. And the entire time, I was so fortunate to be right next to each player coming out with my incredible seat. Absolutely thrilling.

As if the energy wasn’t already at a fever pitch, after these player intros the festivities continued on to the next phase. Since the Caps won in Vegas to clinch the Cup and weren’t able to celebrate on home ice that night, it was fitting that the home faithful would now have the opportunity to join with the team and sing “We are the Champions” on our home ice. The incredible video production crew (perhaps the best of all my favorite sports teams) absolutely killed it with a montage that perfectly synced the song with various Capitals player moments, as we the fans- and the players on the ice- sang together in perfect, glorious unison. At last, “We are the Champions”, for a local sports team. It was surreal. It was magical. I continued to savor every moment.

The crescendo of enthusiasm and energy with each ceremony continued. Then, the ultimate climax we were all waiting for was about to take place. It was time. Owner Ted Leonsis concluded his euphoric speech with, “And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for: let’s raise this banner into the rafters! It will be here forever!” As a collective family, we cheered and stood in awe for this long-awaited moment of glory: raising the Stanley Cup Champions banner. So many emotions flooded my mind as I marveled, cheered, and fortunately, recorded the entire event- just before my phone battery (and external charger I brought), went dead.

Unquestionably one of my all-time favorite moments as a sports fan. And something I realized this summer as I reminisced and celebrated this long-awaited Capitals championship: Though I would say that all-time, the Redskins and Orioles, and UT Vols football, would be my more “favorite” teams historically if I’m ranking them- and no doubt I loved and celebrated their respective championships that I thankfully got to experience with a fierce passion- I had an epiphany that THIS Capitals championship was my favorite of my life to celebrate and savor. The first year I became a sports fan was at the age of 7, when the Redskins were marching towards their first Super Bowl Championship. I was smitten. Then that next summer of 1983, my Dad started taking us to baseball games- and the Orioles won their most recent World Series. I was so fortunate- and perhaps spoiled as a young fan to have my teams win championships with regularity, overall in 4 of my first 9 years as a fan. Little did I know that in January of 1992 (Redskins in SB XXVI), it would be the last time one of my favorite pro teams would win a championship. Now my all-time favorite sports memory shared with my Dad was when Tennessee won the football National Championship in 1998. It was glorious. It was the only Vols championship we have experienced together. And then I was euphoric when the Maryland Terps won their first basketball National Championship in 2002 (a game I was at!), which had been the most recent of my favorite teams. But since then, my favorite teams have mostly struggled, often at times to even be respectable. A long drought of collective losing and mediocrity ensued. Though I was still fortunate to experience some winning and playoff teams over these last 16 years, it had become the longest stretch I have ever experienced as a sports fan without any of my favorite teams winning a championship. Then this Capitals team snapped this longest stretch in my lifetime. It was also the Capitals’ first ever, and long-awaited- with all the epic heartbreak along the way- championship. On top of this, it was also my first championship that I got to experience with my wife and kids. This made it very special. So many great family memories during the run, capped off by taking my wife and kids to the championship parade- my first here since 1992. It was one of our most special family days ever. And then on top of this, the timing of these playoffs and championship was at the same time my beloved Mom passed away. I will always be grateful that in the midst of grieving for my Mom over the summer, this Capitals championship was sweet medicine and comfort to my soul. I will always think about Mom when I think about this Caps championship squad. Yes, my most favorite sports championship I have ever celebrated. As I watched the banner rising (TV version) into the rafters (with the same theme song that was also played during the Caps playoffs video that I had watched over and over and gave me chills at that time) I thought about what the Caps had amazingly accomplished, I thought about my sweet family memories we experienced during the championship, and I thought about my Mom. I smiled ear to ear. I cheered loudly. And I had tears of joy.

As I watched Alex Ovechkin bring the Cup back to Mr. Pritchard right next to me and put away in the chest, the Caps radio announcer John Walton belted from the mic: “the first step to going back-to-back, starts RIGHT NOW! Welcome to Opening Night!” The arena was in a frenzy. And while the actual game seemed secondary and insignificant after that incredible spectacle we were treated to, I also had the thought of how fired up the players must be! How could they come out and lose after that? The juices were flowing. The collective energy in the entire arena was contagious. And I also loved that I had seen maybe 5 Bruins fans (a passionate fanbase that typically travels well) the entire evening. The arena was completely red. It was a family. Let the title defense begin.

And as if there wasn’t enough icing on the cake to make this evening even more special, of course the national TV audience would also be treated to play-by-play by not only the absolute greatest broadcaster in hockey, but perhaps in all of sports: Doc Emerick. Always so poetic, timely, knowledgable, and in my opinion, appropriately passionate. As someone who used to want to pursue a career in sports broadcasting, I think the world of Doc Emerick. As Doc was barely able to work his way through the opening lineups, TJ Oshie lit the lamp, barely 20 seconds in! The building exploded. And then while we were still buzzing and celebrating that quick start, less than 2 minutes later Evgeny Kuznetsov buried one on the PP to incredibly make it 2-0! The Caps wouldn’t look back, guns blazing out of the gates in this title defense and firing on all cylinders. It was a juggernaut performance. In the 2nd period, the Captain himself, the “Great 8” would score his first goal of the campaign- right in front of me- to make it 3-0. And speaking of Ovi, here he is mic’d up on opening night! The Caps barrage continued with three more goals (all on my side for close up views!) in the 2nd period to make it 6-0 and the blowout was on. When I later watched the TV broadcast with my kids, they were amazed at how many times you could see me close up in the middle of the action.

Then in the closing moments as the Caps wrapped up a perfect night, with a dominating 7-0 win, I went down on the glass and celebrated with the Caps faithful. It was absolutely one of the greatest spectacles I have ever witnessed at a sporting event, and it was perhaps the best seat I have ever had at a sporting event.

It was truly a night Caps fans will always remember. The title defense begins!

Our Time

Heartbreak. Failed expectations. "Choking Dogs". "Crapitals". The DMV has heard it all in the 42 years since the Washington Capitals came to the district. 

For the better part of their existence, the Capitals have absolutely been a great, winning franchise. Year after year, they have made fantastic and countless runs in the regular season, only to get ousted in the playoffs- often much earlier in the playoffs than anticipated based on their seeding. And in most heartbreaking fashion, out of the few times in NHL history that a team has lost a 3-1 series lead, the Caps unfathomably lead the way with five 3-1 leads, that turned into gut-wrenching series losses. No other franchise has had this happen to them more than two times since the Caps came into the league in 1974. Apart from making the Stanley Cup Finals once in 1998, and the Conference Finals one other time in 1990, even with all the dominant teams that were supposed to make deep post-season runs, there have been no other runs past the conference semi-finals.

I will insert, however that out of the many times we (yes, most of you know I am a "we" fan guy!) have painfully blown 3-1 leads, amazingly there have also been two times that we have comeback from 3-1 deficits!

First, there was the 1988 first round vs the rival Flyers when the Caps stormed back and Dale Hunter scored "the goal" in OT of game 7 to dramatically clinch the comeback. It is widely considered one of the best moments in Caps history. 

And then in 2009, the higher seeded Caps trailed the Rangers 3-1, but would also storm back to stun their rivals and close them out at home in game 7. With 5 minutes remaining and the game knotted at 1, the veteran Sergei Fedorov scored the dramatic game, and series-clinching goal to complete the comeback. Personally for me, I had been a casual Caps fan since childhood, going to an occasional game here and there, and mostly following them when they made it to the playoffs. Though I did and still do consider them in the second tier level of my favorite teams (with the Redskins and Orioles always at the top), I think it was in this moment that a new interest and excitement about this franchise, and hockey took off. I embraced the greatness and epic drama of NHL playoff hockey in a unique way for the first time. Along with many DMV area sports fans, we have been hungry for a perennial championship contender. And now we could say that the Capitals were this. It was a very sweet moment. A moment that in many ways really helped launch the "Rock The Red" era.

Since the "Rock The Red" era really began towards the end of the 2008 era, with the young and hungry Ovechkin-led squad catching fire and improbably winning their first division championship of the era, the Caps have boasted the best overall cumulative record in the NHL, with year after year of dominance. Sometimes, historic dominance. Yet year after year, the movie has ended in the same fashion: most often a loss in the conference semi-finals. 

After the dramatic 7 game clincher vs the Rangers, the Caps would revert back to their old, historic ways, by blowing a 2-0 series lead vs, none other than the hated Penguins. Yes, out of the five times the Caps have blown 3-1 series leads, the Penguins have come back on us twice. So once again, they would erase a 2 game deficit to fuel the rival hatred all the more. 

The 2009-10 season looked to be different. The surging Caps would finally break through. They would not be denied, right? Accomplishing a franchise record 121 points, the Presidents Trophy winners would enter the playoffs a heavy favorite. But in the first round, after once again jumping out to a 3-1 series lead, we would once again let history rear its ugly head, and drop a 7 game heartbreaker to the 8th seeded Montreal Canadiens. 

The Caps would win in the first round in the 2011 and '12 seasons. In 2012, after Bruce Boudreau was fired mid-season, long-time Caps legend Dale Hunter would come on the scene and lead the Caps towards a late-season run, finishing as the 7th seed in the playoffs. In the first round vs the favored, and defending Cup champion Bruins, the Caps would win game 7 in the Garden on Joel Ward's dramatic OT goal.

It was definitely another one of the sweetest moments in Caps history. Once again we asked the question: could this be it? Perhaps after the years of being the heavy favorites, the Caps would fly under the radar and actually be the team to upset the favorites. It was a fun ride. But once again in gut-wrenching fashion, the Caps would lose in 7 games to the Rangers. In game 5, the Caps looked to be heading towards a huge victory, and seizing control of the series. But with just 5 seconds left (after a horrible call to give the Rangers a 2 man advantage), the Rangers would improbably tie the game at 2, sending it to OT. And on a side note, it was so brutal having to listen to the Rangers awful goal song with all their delirious fans screaming in euphoria. We all knew what would happen then and on cue, the Rangers would indeed steal the victory, take a 3-2 series lead, then win back in The Garden in game 7. 

In the 2014-'15 season, under first year Caps coach Barry Trotz, though they finished second in the fierce Metro division to the Presidents Trophy winning Rangers, the Caps surged down the stretch and entered the playoffs a hot team. After beating a tough Islanders team in 7, the Caps once again played a familiar playoff foe in the rival Rangers. When the Caps jumped out to a surprising 3-1 lead there were mixed emotions. On one end it seems like we as fans were optimistic and hopeful that perhaps WE would be the ones who would finally oust a mighty favorite, after all the years of falling short. WE were the ones who would ride the hot goalie through the post-season, and defeat a team with loftier expectations. Would this finally be our time? But on the other end of it, were were holding our breath and staring history in the face. Another 3-1 series lead. Surely we wouldn't blow it again. There is no way this could happen. Again. But yes, history of painful blown leads would once again re-visit its ugly head and the Rangers improbably came back to win in 7 in OT. And once again, having to listen to that awful goal song!

I'll never forget seeing Braden Holtby laying on the ice after the game-winning goal lit the lamp. The Garden was in a frenzy. The Caps were stunned. Yes, it happened again. Another gut-wrenching 3-1 series loss. The memory of Braden Holtby laying on the ice stayed with me in the offseason. I couldn't believe it happened again. How would the Caps respond? How would the long-suffering fans respond?

In the offseason, the Caps made a huge splash by trading for TJ Oshie. Oshie is most famously known for his heroics in the 2014 Olympics, by almost single-handedly helping team USA knock off the heavily favored Russians. So now Oshie was paired with Ovi and Backy. Holtby was turning into a top notch goalie. And on top of this, multi-Stanley Cup winner Justin Williams also signed with the Caps. 

I was convinced the 2015-16 season was it. Still seething from the game 7 loss to the Rangers and seeing Braden Holtby laying on the ice after the puck cleared to clinch the series, I was hopeful that the team was ready, with fierce resolve, to make the long-awaited Stanley Cup championship run. 

As expected, the Caps dominated the regular season, in historic fashion and cruised to the Presidents Trophy for the second time in the Rock The Red era. But this team was different. Unlike the '10 Presidents Trophy winners, this team looked better and was ready for the deep- hopefully championship playoff run. We had Oshie. We had Williams. And as hoped, Braden Holtby indeed turned into an elite goalie. All the pieces were in place. But once again, it was the hated Penguins- who really turned it on in the 2nd half of the season and was the only team who could have beaten us- defeating us in crushing fashion in the 2nd round. Once again, it was an excruciating, OT loss that sealed it. How could this happen again? The Penguins- again?! And once again, Braden Holtby laid stunned on the ice after seeing the game and series-clinching goal light the lamp, while the home team went crazy. 

How in the world did this happen again? Was there any way the Caps could recover from that, and come back this year- perhaps with even more resolve?

In what is perhaps the best division the NHL has ever seen- certainly the best I can recall during my lifetime- the 2016-17 CAPS still seized control and emerged #1 in the Metro. And not just #1 in the fierce Metro division competition, but once again, #1 in the entire NHL, locking up the Presidents Trophy- for the 2nd straight season. This is the most dominant 2 season stretch in the regular season I have ever seen- Caps, anyone. This team is extremely talented and balanced, with deep depth on all 4 lines. They have front line superstars in Ovi, Backy, and Oshie. They have all-stars and rising stars in Shattenkirk, Kuzy, and Burky. They have an elite goalie in Holtby, and a solid backup in Grubauer. They have a proven, multi-champion leader in Justin Williams. They have defensive studs, and another Cup Winner in Orpik. And they are extremely well coached by Trotz. 

Yes, last years team was historically good and if not for running into the red hot, hated rival Penguins- the only team that could have beaten them- they would have won the Cup. But as good as that team was last year, this team is even better. And I would like to think and hope, they are fiercely resolved to not let anything stand in their path, and primed for their long-awaited run to the elusive Cup. Last years pain- and the pain of many prior years of painfully falling short- will not be forgotten, and fuel them through each round. 

Last year the juggernaut Caps clinched everything with a month to go in the season, had nothing to really play for down the stretch, and perhaps lost some of their edge going into the playoffs. But this team has been in a brawl with the fierce Metro competition, and down the stretch when things got tight and they needed to step on the gas, they still pulled away and got hot at the very end, winning 11 of 13 to close it out. 

Yes, I am hopeful and optimistic that THIS Capitals team is on their way, and ready for their long-awaited, well-deserved, and elusive Stanley Cup. Bring on the competition. Bring on the Pens. I believe THIS Caps team is a juggernaut. And right up there with the historically good '91 Redskins, will hopefully emerge as one of the greatest championship teams this area has ever seen.