Capitals can’t have another collapse
The Washington Capitals don’t exactly go in the same sentence as the Montreal Canadiens, New York Yankees and Boston Celtics. The Capitals, a team which came into existence back in 1974, are still looking for their first Stanley Cup.
While the ultimate success has not been there for the team that calls the nation’s capital home, the chances to taste elusive glory have been. The franchise was putrid during its early years, failing to make the playoffs in each of its first eight seasons. However, Washington turned the proverbial corner in 1982-83, making the postseason with an exciting group of young players that included future Hall of Fame defenseman Scott Stevens.
From that point forward, the Capitals qualified for the playoffs in 14 straight seasons. During that run, Washington won just one division title and only once reached the conference finals, doing so in 1989-90. It was swept by the Boston Bruins, who were then trounced by the mighty Edmonton Oilers.
After missing the postseason in 1997, the Capitals got back and finally made a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals, only to run into one of the finest teams of all-time in the Detroit Red Wings. Detroit, defending a title it had won the previous campaign against the Philadelphia Flyers, overwhelmed Washington in four easy games.
Since that point, the Capitals have won seven Southeast Division titles, but have never made it past the second round. It has been a maddening times for folks in the Beltway area, who are sick and tired of watching rivals like the Carolina Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins raise Lord Stanley in June.
In 2015-16, Washington certainly possesses the best team in the sport. The Capitals are absolutely loaded with talent, led by future Hall of Famer Alex Ovechkin and one of the top goalies going in Braden Holtby. Washington has been all but assured of winning the Metropolitan Division since Christmas, and is currently coasting to the top seed in the East. The only question remaining is will this team find a way to fall short of expectations one more time, or can this group go where none other in franchise history has?
Throughout the 42 years of Capitals hockey, there has never been a better opportunity to win it all. Washington is the best offensive and top defensive team in the National Hockey League, with stars dotting the roster and a mediocre group to overcome in the conference. If this isn’t the year when Washington rolls to a Stanley Cup Finals berth and subsequent championship, it may never happen.
