The Washington Capitals had every reason to pack it in and give up this season.
They were sellers at the deadline. They lost six consecutive games twice in the second half of the season. Nicklas Backstrom essentially retired. Alex Ovechkin had 8 goals in his first 43 games and seemed washed. Tom Wilson was suspended for six games. Two players entered NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance. They traded Evgeny Kuznetsov. TJ Oshie missed more games than last year. Nick Jensen was stretchered off the ice after a scary hit. And Darcy Kuemper had his worst full season as a pro.
Yet, despite all those obstacles that might sink a normal team, the Capitals retooled and fought like hell. They never broke. You can call this team a lot of things: maddening, inconsistent, or confusing. But there’s one other thing you need to call them now too: playoff-bound.
The Capitals, under rookie head coach Spencer Carbery, are headed to the big dance after defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1. The Capitals will face their former head coach in the first round — the same guy who seemingly refused to play or develop the team’s youth that helped get them to this point this season — Peter Laviolette.
The Capitals squeaked into the postseason despite having the worst goal differential in the salary cap era: minus-37. This team won games close. And when things went right, they were aided by great goaltending, clutch Alex Ovechkin goals, or prospects who learned how to win under Hershey Bears head coach Todd Nelson. On other nights, when they lost big, it was due to their own roster inadequacies, poor puck decisions, general inconsistency, and yikes goaltending.
In the end, there was something magic about this team-in-transition that’s hard to describe. If you look at the stats, not much computes. Yet, it all makes sense if you’ve watched this season. The Capitals battled and did just enough to get by.
Think back at all the big feelings you felt about the team this season. If you’re like me, some nights you thought this year’s club were world beaters. Other nights — oh gosh, what a mess. I just want to turn it off and watch anything else.
The Capitals have come so far this season, right?
And the best part is: friends, they’re just getting started.
NOW, LET’S CELEBRATE!
