The Washington Capitals organization began play in 1974 – this is their second appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals. The Vegas Golden Knights began play about 15 minutes ago and they’re already in their first Stanley Cup Final.
Where was the heartache? Where were the Game 7 losses that felt like a punch in the stomach? Where were the meaningless regular season games featuring restrained enthusiasm and corny scoreboard videos to mimic noise in the arena while fans pined for April, May and, if we ever got lucky, June? When did the Knights ever have to go through the “hot goalie” that stoned every attempt and stole what should have been a winnable series? Nope. None of it. Everything worked out well for this bunch and their fans.
That all comes to an end now. We gave the Knights George McPhee and Nate Schmidt. Cody Eakin began his career learning from Washington Capitals’ greats. We’re done giving. This is finally the Capitals’ year. Washington features the greatest goal scorer of his generation, impressive scoring depth (17 different players have scored a playoff goal), the league’s best power play, versatile defensemen and a Vezina-award winning goalie who, bored with regular seasons, has found his game in the playoffs. The Capitals are 8-2 on the road during the 2018 playoffs and, with a treasure trove of local casino options, aren’t the slightest bit tempted by Las Vegas’s nightlife.
The Washington Capitals have participated in the Stanley Cup Playoffs nine-of-the-past-10 years, including three President’s Cup Trophies (best record in the league), and they have absolutely NOTHING to show for it. Something about this year feels different. The Capitals will win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, besting a remarkable story of strength and courage out of Las Vegas. Congratulations to the Golden Knights on an incredible season. Your Stanley Cup will come. But you’ll have to wait.
Let’s Go Caps!
