As I have noted on my blog all season long, there have been some games and points left on the table that would come back to haunt us later in the season. The difference between success and failure in the NHL right now is so very slim – an OT victory here; a two point win instead of the game being a three pointer there; a game that goes into overtime and getting a point instead of losing the lead in the last minute, etc. etc. Your head will explode if you mapped out each game and the small one goal differential and the points we left on the table. But that work and analysis is better left for the off season.
As I have noted on my blog all season long, there have been some games and points left on the table that would come back to haunt us later in the season. The difference between success and failure in the NHL right now is so very slim – an OT victory here; a two point win instead of the game being a three pointer there; a game that goes into overtime and getting a point instead of losing the lead in the last minute, etc. etc. Your head will explode if you mapped out each game and the small one goal differential and the points we left on the table. But that work and analysis is better left for the off season. The season went by very fast. Now we enter the last two weeks before the playoff season. We have six games left – three on the road and three at home. We get back at it against Carolina on Tuesday. Carolina is probably the hottest team in the NHL right now. We also have another game against them at home next week plus we play Florida who is breathing down our neck as well. We must only focus on the games at hand and not cry over spilled milk. Onward.
Looking back at these posts and all of the playoff scenarios we dreamed of was mere fodder in between incredibly electric play of the Washington Capitals squad. Hats off to ALL of you involved! One point away from reaching a division title and 3rd seed is now all up to your guys on the ice. The Red Sea of Caps fans will be behind you and I just want to say (for many of us) how proud I am to be a Caps fan! There are qualities the organization and individuals have displayed that are to be admired and copied by many that have nothing to do with hockey!
The Caps have to do their and win during regulation and let the gods determine who will make the playoffs.
It seems like just yesterday we were all counting down the minutes to the unveiling of the new jerseys/logo, then to opening night, then to #300, then to #60…now we count down to the most crucial 6 game strech of our season. It starts tonight. I have been skeptical all year that the ‘rebuild is over’, but now, maybe…just maybe…it’s starting to look like it really is…especially after Friday. The last 3 1/2 months have been the most exciting hockey we’ve had in D.C. in a LOOOONG time. Even if the Caps don’t make the show, while a little part of me will be disappointed, a bigger part will be happy with the effort put forth since Nov., and looking ahead to an EXTREMELY bright future. LETS GO CAPS!!!
I’m a pessimist at heart. That said, I did not believe the Caps would have as successful season as the team has and there is no way I would have believed they would be fighting right down to the last two weeks to gain a playoff birth. That’s not to say I would have been upset at all, I just thought one more season of baby steps would be required before making a bigger leap.
In or out this team has exceeded any realistic expectations and now clearly has a path to a successful future that we can all acknowledge. The rebuild has been painful, and though its still a work in progress I think all fans can see where the train is headed.
Congrats to all involved from ownership to management to players. In or out it has been a good year. If the playoffs aren’t in the cards this year they certainly will be next. Cheers to that.
We absolutely cannot leave anything on the table or on the ice. To make the playoffs in the east, the Caps will need 11 points, including all 8 against Carolina and Florida. They can afford one three point game to Florida, but they need to go 2-0-0 vs. Carolina while making sure they go 0-2-0.
Well said Ted. This will be the test for this young team. Can’t wait till next season. Biggest Cap fan in PA.
The previous 76 games are a cancelled check. The final five are a promisory note. Tuesday’s game in Raleigh is cash on the line.
This is probably the single biggest hockey game we’ve played in years. Let’s make it happen.
just have to win…period.