Whether you want to admit it or not, the Capitals have developed a reputation for having a stellar
regular season, and then choking when it matters most. A team that won five division titles, in six
seasons between 2007 and 2013, flamed out in the first round three times and never advanced past the
conference semifinals during those years.
The “Ovechkin era” has been viewed by most as successful in many aspects, including many successful regular seasons for the Capitals that have brought new life to hockey in D.C. But there is no denying that the Caps have yet to make it past the 2nd round of the playoffs since Ovechkin joined the team in 2004. After a superb 2010 regular season, finishing the
season with a President’s Trophy, and being the favorite to raise the Cup heading into the playoffs, the hometown boys had the D.C. area in a championship mindset, only to lose in the 1st round in game 7 vs. Montreal. Being at game 7 vs. Montreal in 2010, I can remember the heartbreak and disappointment from the fans leaving the arena over a team with such promise. Beyond 2010, every year now it seems like Caps fans cheer hard and stay loyal, but have a constant taste of disappointment and heartbreak.
As the Caps headed into Game 7 on Monday at home vs. the Islanders, there was a lot of discussion about the curse of the Verizon center in the playoffs. When the puck trickled between Braden Holtby’s pads and into the Washington Capitals’ goal early in the third period, tying Game 7 last Monday at one goal apiece, there was a moment where many in the Verizon Center wondered if this was the beginning of yet another grisly piece of Game 7 history for this franchise. But the Capitals team that showed up on Monday was a team that no one had seen before in Game 7’s. Obviously there is still a long road ahead
for the Caps, but Monday night’s victory over the New York Islanders at home came in a situation when they needed to win a Game 7 the most. It wasn’t just a big victory that came with a Game 7 scenario; it was a big victory because of how the Capitals executed and played all 60 minutes. They were dominant early on, stayed that way in the middle, and endured late in the game. Goaltender Braden Hotlby was phenomenal for Washington, only allowing one goal to slip by him. The Capitals also did something no NHL team has ever done during a game 7: allowing only 11 shots on goal, the fewest in NHL history in a Game 7.
Two franchises with considerable playoff baggage, two teams desperate to turn a corner and reward long-suffering fans with postseason success, couldn’t have been more evenly matched. But in
the end the execution and goaltending was too much for the Islanders. A big first round win in the
playoffs is something that Caps have experienced; making it past the 2nd round, however, is something
that is not familiar to the hometown faithful. But with a huge win like that when it came in a desperate situation, and the combination of awesome goaltending, the Capitals looked like a team that could finally go all the way. Compared to years past, this is the soundest fit the Capitals have been at by this point in the playoffs, and they have many advantages that other teams remaining don’t. The two teams with the most points in the Eastern Conference are the two worst puck-possession teams amongst the eight still remaining in the playoffs. The four best puck-possession teams have a combination of concerns, ranging from questionable goaltending to injuries to slumping underlying numbers. The Capitals don’t have any of these concerns, and possess one of the best goaltenders in hockey, Braden Holtby. Not to mention their puck possession numbers are much inferior to their current 2nd round opponent, the New York Rangers. I don’t want to be the one to jinx things for the D.C. faithful, we all know about the Capitals past struggles vs. the Rangers in the playoffs, but this is a whole new team.
After several years as one of the top contenders for the Cup, the Capitals went through multiple coaches
before Barry Trotz arrived. Trotz brought with him goaltending guru Mitch Korn, who has helped Holtby embrace his considerable talent. Holtby has become a star this season and is one of the biggest reasons the Capitals could be primed to finally break through. The Capitals have elite front-line talent with Ovechkin, Backstrom and Holtby. They are as deep on defense as anybody, and the scoring depth is strong. It is a solid roster with a very good coach. If the Capitals can continue to improve and continue to show these signs of life, then this really could be the year.