On Wednesday, news broke that the Washington Post Express would be shutting down after 16-years in print. The free commuter newspaper published by The Washington Post had some incredible and creative covers over the years, especially ones featuring and honoring the Washington Capitals.
From parodies of The Hangover to celebrating “The Save” as a piece of fine art, let’s remember just what made the Post Express so unique and popular in the tabloid landscape.
Breaking: Express, commuter newspaper published by The Washington Post, to shut down after 16 years. https://t.co/d4aHnSYsjF
— Paul Farhi (@farhip) September 11, 2019
Ain’t Afraid Of No Ghosts – April 14, 2016
Featuring a trio of Alex Ovechkin, Braden Holtby, and Nicklas Backstrom, this cover used a creative way to exclaim that the Capitals were not afraid of the ghosts of past postseason failures. 2016 was not their year, as they crashed out in the second round against the eventual champion Pittsburgh Penguins, but there is no denying the creativity in the cover — even if it did not end up being prophetic.
Death. Taxes. And Ovi – Jan 11, 2017
A statement that is as true today as it was when it was published in 2017. Nothing is certain but death, taxes, and Ovi. That is how the saying goes, right? Regardless, this stunning painting-style illustration of Ovi remains a favorite!
‘The Scream’ – April 19, 2017
Is there any image that perfectly captures the internal — and external — dread that Capitals fans experience as the playoffs approach? Yeah. The Post Express nailed this one.
Honestly, We’re A Total Wreck – May 4, 2017
When the Capitals were trailing the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-1 in their second-round series, and the Wizards were down 2-1 in their own, the Post Express published this cover of a tortured Lincoln Memorial decked out in Caps and Wizards gear. It wasn’t to be either team’s year, but wow. Was this cover a Mood.
One For The Ages – June 1, 2018
After Braden Holtby made a miraculous save in the Stanley Cup Finals, keeping the Capitals’ playoff hopes alive, the Post Express published an edition featuring that precise moment framed in gold. “The Save” will always be a defining moment of the run that led to the Caps first franchise Stanley Cup, and is, undoubtedly, art.
Party Time – June 12, 2018
This cover, on the surface, is probably one of the most simple of all the ones on this list but is also a reminder of one of the most joyous moments for Caps fans and the entire organization alike. So, we couldn’t really leave it off.
Can They Avoid a Hangover? – October 3, 2018
You’d have to have been living under a rock to escape the summer shenanigans of the Capitals celebrating their Cup win. Which is why this “Hangover” parody is equal parts hilarious and also accurate. Wondering whether the Caps would suffer a post-Cup hangover was on the minds of many fans, but they did go on to win the Metro Division, so it wasn’t too bad.
Great 8 At His Greatest? – December 19, 2018
Alex Ovechkin is superhuman. What more is there to be said?
Make It a Double – April 11, 2019
As the Capitals entered the postseason as defending Stanley Cup champions, the back-to-back mantra followed them into their first-round matchup with the Carolina Hurricanes. We all know how it turned out, but for one moment it felt like that double-vision of Ovi raising the Cup wasn’t too distant a dream.
Theirs For The Taking – April 18, 2019
With both the Tampa Bay Lightning and Pittsburgh Penguins being swept in the first round of the 2019 playoffs, the Post Express boldly stated that the Cup was the Capitals’ to take. It wasn’t to be, with the Caps bowing out in the first round. However, the belief was still there until the very end.
Headline photo: Covers via Washington Post Express
