Stanley Cup 2018

[weezie]

Really?

None of you DCMDVA-ers are amped for the Stanley quest? Playoff hockey is terrific! Whatsamattayou?

Don't tell me you're all "skeered"?!

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

As a novice hockey fan with no skin in the game, these playoffs have been lots of fun. Game One was quite entertaining. Moving forward, I will root for equalizing goals and equalizing games for maximum dramatic effect, overtimes, and game seven.

[LasVegas]

Go knights go! This city is going nuts. Who said Vegas couldn’t support a pro team?

[weezie]

It's terrific fun. I'm not emotionally invested this year but that was a heck of a game one.

I wonder if there has been a twitter scandal hurting the feelings of any hockey players yet?

[mkirsh]

Go knights go! This city is going nuts. Who said Vegas couldn’t support a pro team?

Guess you have to put on a full Vegas show and then sneak in a hockey game afterwards to get support....

Long suffering Caps fan here, so sorry for the cheap shot (but not really :p). Vegas's run to the final is a great story, and there are a lot of interesting Knights/Caps story lines in this series, including the Caps former GM heading up the Knights, former Caps up-and-coming star in Nate Schmidt facing his old team, Fleury's history tormenting the Caps in prior playoff series, and even Bryce Harper's hometown fandom. As someone who is used to epic collapses in the post season, I feel like the Caps got two steps closer, but will still get the football pulled away at the last second. Game 1 was highly entertaining with numerous lead changes back and forth, and Vegas did a great job keeping Ovi in check and keeping Holtby moving. Tonight is huge - the Caps have not been great at home so coming back to DC down 2-0 would be tough, but getting the split on the road would put the team in good position. The story of the Caps postseason has been digging themselves out of holes - losing 2 at home to Columbus to start the series, beating the Pens for only the second time in 11 playoff chances, dropping 3 straight to Tampa but coming back to win in 7 on the road - so hopefully the resolve and good fortune continues.

[rasputin]

Guess you have to put on a full Vegas show and then sneak in a hockey game afterwards to get support...

Long suffering Caps fan here, so sorry for the cheap shot (but not really :p). Vegas's run to the final is a great story, and there are a lot of interesting Knights/Caps story lines in this series, including the Caps former GM heading up the Knights, former Caps up-and-coming star in Nate Schmidt facing his old team, Fleury's history tormenting the Caps in prior playoff series, and even Bryce Harper's hometown fandom. As someone who is used to epic collapses in the post season, I feel like the Caps got two steps closer, but will still get the football pulled away at the last second. Game 1 was highly entertaining with numerous lead changes back and forth, and Vegas did a great job keeping Ovi in check and keeping Holtby moving. Tonight is huge - the Caps have not been great at home so coming back to DC down 2-0 would be tough, but getting the split on the road would put the team in good position. The story of the Caps postseason has been digging themselves out of holes - losing 2 at home to Columbus to start the series, beating the Pens for only the second time in 11 playoff chances, dropping 3 straight to Tampa but coming back to win in 7 on the road - so hopefully the resolve and good fortune continues.

I live in St. Louis. Who knew they still played hockey in June?

[wilson]

I live in St. Louis. Who knew they still played hockey in June?I live in Atlanta. Who knew they still played hockey? Again.

[OldPhiKap]

Go Vegas.

[JBDuke]

I haven't posted about it here, because hockey doesn't get a lot of discussion on these boards, but I'm pretty pumped by the Caps' performance so far. Tonight's win was fantastic. Thank you, Holtby, for the save of your life! First game win for the franchise in the Stanley Cup finals. (I guess the same could be said for Vegas's win in game one...)

The Caps needed one road win, and now they've got it. We'll see if home ice is kind to them - historically, it hasn't been, but this team has blown through the historic norms for the franchise.

[mkirsh]

I live in St. Louis. Who knew they still played hockey in June?

They do, but only after an episode of Game of Thrones on ice and an Imagine Dragons concert

Thought Vegas got the better of the play most of the night, but Holtby and the huge 5 on 3 penalty kill were the difference. Hockey can be fickle like that. Will be interesting to see how both teams play in DC.

[kmspeaks]

Guess you have to put on a full Vegas show and then sneak in a hockey game afterwards to get support...

Long suffering Caps fan here, so sorry for the cheap shot (but not really :p). Vegas's run to the final is a great story, and there are a lot of interesting Knights/Caps story lines in this series, including the Caps former GM heading up the Knights, former Caps up-and-coming star in Nate Schmidt facing his old team, Fleury's history tormenting the Caps in prior playoff series, and even Bryce Harper's hometown fandom. As someone who is used to epic collapses in the post season, I feel like the Caps got two steps closer, but will still get the football pulled away at the last second. Game 1 was highly entertaining with numerous lead changes back and forth, and Vegas did a great job keeping Ovi in check and keeping Holtby moving. Tonight is huge - the Caps have not been great at home so coming back to DC down 2-0 would be tough, but getting the split on the road would put the team in good position. The story of the Caps postseason has been digging themselves out of holes - losing 2 at home to Columbus to start the series, beating the Pens for only the second time in 11 playoff chances, dropping 3 straight to Tampa but coming back to win in 7 on the road - so hopefully the resolve and good fortune continues.

As I told a friend last year, I'm a Braves and a Caps fan...playoff disappointment is just a part of life. :( This year though, if the Eagles can win the super bowl then anything can happen. Tee up that football Lucy.

[weezie]

... a Caps fan...playoff disappointment is just a part of life...

Stay calm. Ovey might just have the look this year.

[kmspeaks]

Stay calm. Ovey might just have the look this year.

"Hope is a dangerous thing" but I may be starting to hope. I don't know anywhere near enough about hockey to be able to comment intelligently on what adjustments have been made but how can you not believe after The Save. That's the kind of play that has normally gone against the Caps in the playoffs.

[-jk]

"Hope is a dangerous thing" but I may be starting to hope. I don't know anywhere near enough about hockey to be able to comment intelligently on what adjustments have been made but how can you not believe after The Save. That's the kind of play that has normally gone against the Caps in the playoffs.

My middle school health class assured us that "'hope' is not a method."

-jk

[bjornolf]

Every game I have watched live in this playoffs, the Caps have lost. Therefore, I am not watching any more. I DVR the games the next day on hockey channel and watch after. I am willing to make this sacrifice for my Caps, even though it REALLY hurts.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

Stay calm. Ovey might just have the look this year.

I think he does....and I think the magic of Vegas is running out.

Signed,
Hurricanes season tix holder for years, including the Stanley Cup Title year

[sue71, esq]

Go Knights Go! Go Knights Go! Go Knights Go!

[JBDuke]

Wow - DC is so hungry for a sports championship, and this is the closest they've been to one since 1992. If the Caps blow this now, it will be just a crushing blow.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

The Knights have lived a charmed existence in their short tenure....but charmed existences don't last in hockey. Yeah, the NHL over shot in making things easier for expansion teams in the draft....and a few decisions made by Vegas management have worked out better than anyone would've/could've predicted.

But last night Vegas caught a cruel bad break - hitting the post in the first period with the score 0-0. The game changed on that play.

That's the way hockey is. In a way, it's the cruelest of sports....the most emotionally demanding. The bounce of the puck, hitting the post or going in the net, hot goalie or not hot goalie....you can dominate 20 minutes straight and not get a goal, and then get beat on a single bad bounce break away.

I think the Caps win game 5 now.

[weezie]

HHhhhmm...knights win game 5, but caps likely apres ca.

[throatybeard]

I live in St. Louis. Who knew they still played hockey in June?

Although, this "The Blues of the East" talk about the Capitals is trending again. (Almost always good, never great; someone else always in the way). Bernie Miklasz has been the high priest of this position for years. I'm not sure I agree but I am sure I'd far rather see Washington win than Vegas.

[Mal]

Although, this "The Blues of the East" talk about the Capitals is trending again. (Almost always good, never great; someone else always in the way). Bernie Miklasz has been the high priest of this position for years. I'm not sure I agree but I am sure I'd far rather see Washington win than Vegas.

I don't think I buy the analogy, either. For one thing, the East was pretty weak compared to the West from about 3 to 10 years ago. So there was no one in Washington's way to the Finals, other than Pittsburgh, for most of Ovechkin's career and they still couldn't make it. They've won 8 division titles in 11 years and this is the first time they managed to get out of the East playoffs, despite only losing to the Penguins twice in that time. The Blues of the last decade (before the balance seemed to shift a few seasons ago), on the other hand, could blame the Kings and Blackhawks for a lot of their woes. And they had the Red Wings to blame back in the Hull era.

Completely agree with your last sentiment, though. I'm not sure if it's anger at the league screwing up so badly on the expansion draft, the style of play, the smoke and mirrors aspects of it, the absolutely hideous uniforms, or what, but I deeply, viscerally want Vegas to lose. Maybe it's just that as a native Minnesotan, the idea of Las F'ing Vegas, where I'm sure there are some transplants and a few legit hockey fans around, but there's ZERO history of the sport and it's the middle of the godforsaken desert, winning a championship in its first season of HOCKEY, without paying a single cent of dues, before my home state gets one just burns me like you cannot believe. I already can't wait for reality to set in when this team returns to the middle of the pack, the novelty wears off, no one's as excited to see a team that sucks, and the casinos and corporations have bought up all the tickets so the average person can't afford one anymore. It will be 80% tourists at their home games, and if they're ever a bottom dweller for several years even that will suffer. No offense to any Nevadans, but the fact that there's an NHL team there and not in Quebec City or Halifax chaps my hide. You have not earned this. I mean, the whole Nashville thing is annoying enough.

Also, you kids GET OFF MY LAWN.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

I'm not sure if it's anger at the league screwing up so badly on the expansion draft, the style of play, the smoke and mirrors aspects of it, the absolutely hideous uniforms, or what, but I deeply, viscerally want Vegas to lose. Maybe it's just that as a native Minnesotan, the idea of Las F'ing Vegas, where I'm sure there are some transplants and a few legit hockey fans around, but there's ZERO history of the sport and it's the middle of the godforsaken desert, winning a championship in its first season of HOCKEY, without paying a single cent of dues, before my home state gets one just burns me like you cannot believe. I already can't wait for reality to set in when this team returns to the middle of the pack, the novelty wears off, no one's as excited to see a team that sucks, and the casinos and corporations have bought up all the tickets so the average person can't afford one anymore. It will be 80% tourists at their home games, and if they're ever a bottom dweller for several years even that will suffer. No offense to any Nevadans, but the fact that there's an NHL team there and not in Quebec City or Halifax chaps my hide. You have not earned this. I mean, the whole Nashville thing is annoying enough.

Also, you kids GET OFF MY LAWN.

Well I thoroughly enjoyed the Hurricanes Cup in 2006 - season tix holder, and neighbor of the Lavoilettes...used to carpool with them to youth hockey practices.

But I agree with you on expansion draft, and are you kidding? No entry fee? WTF

[JBDuke]

The Capitals win!
The Capitals win!
The Capitals win!
The Capitals win!
The Capitals win!
The Capitals win!
The Capitals win!
The Capitals win!

(That's a great 8 right there...)

[weezie]

Well, there ya go caps fans! Congrats!

[mkirsh]

The Capitals win!
The Capitals win!
The Capitals win!
The Capitals win!
The Capitals win!
The Capitals win!
The Capitals win!
The Capitals win!

(That's a great 8 right there...)

AMAZING!!!!!!!!

Trailed in all four rounds

Closed out every series on the road

40 years to the day after the Bullets only NBA championship

First DC big 4 pro championship since 92

Tens of tousands of people outside downtown going crazy

C-A-P-S Caps Caps Caps!!!

[duketaylor]

Can't help but wonder if a few car's might take aflame tonight. Very frustrated fanbase, those DC, Maryland, NoVa folks. Shortly after the win I heard fireworks in my neighborhood (15 minutes ago). Amazing for them!! Congrats Caps and their fans!! Played golf a few years ago with Rod Langway, known as The Minister of Defence.
Very nice guy, good golfer and fun to be with. I'm sure he's a very happy Cap tonight.

[weezie]

...Rod Langway, known as The Minister of Defence...

Correct me if I am wrong but wasn't he one of the last guys in hockey who was allowed to play without a helmet?

[bjornolf]

Wow - DC is so hungry for a sports championship, and this is the closest they've been to one since 1992. If the Caps blow this now, it will be just a crushing blow.

Well, Caps got to the finals in ‘98. Of course, they got swept that year.

I love that my Caps closed it out on the 40th anniversary to the day of the Bullets championship from when I was 2. So apropos.

[Troublemaker]

The Capitals win!
The Capitals win!
The Capitals win!
The Capitals win!
The Capitals win!
The Capitals win!
The Capitals win!
The Capitals win!

(That's a great 8 right there...)

Congrats, all my DC and NoVa peeps! It's been a long time coming for y'all.

[kmspeaks]

I have now been alive and old enough to remember seeing 3 of my 5 teams win a championship. Only Georgia football and the Redskins, I turned 5 a month before Super Bowl XXVI and I might have been in the room but I have no memories of the game, remain. Until a week ago I would have sworn the Caps would be the last team on my list to ever win one. So happy right now!!

[HereBeforeCoachK]

I have now been alive and old enough to remember seeing 3 of my 5 teams win a championship. Only Georgia football and the Redskins, I turned 5 a month before Super Bowl XXVI and I might have been in the room but I have no memories of the game, remain. Until a week ago I would have sworn the Caps would be the last team on my list to ever win one. So happy right now!!

I'm glad the Caps won, because I think Vegas was the big time beneficiary of the NHL giving away the store to get Vegas in the league. Now those fans are spoiled, and the next few years of coming down to earth will be interesting to see.

But as far as lifetime team titles, I've been blessed to see 5 Duke titles, a few Redskin titles (Skins fan then, now more Panthers fan) few Cincinnati Reds titles (now care nothing about MLB, but did at the time) -- and by far the most amazing, a Carolina Hurricanes Stanley Cup, while we were season ticket holders and neighbors, little league hockey carpool partners with Peter Lavoilette and family (the head coach). Hard to believe that was 12 years ago....

As for my Duke fandom, I suffered through Bucky Waters, Neal McGeachy, and the first few years of Coach K while my Carolina and State buddies were beating our fannies and winning titles. Needless to say, I was there as K has guided Duke to supremacy...91-92 were amazing (almost 94 too)...2001 validated K could win without Laettner, Hurley and Hill, and 2010 and 2015 were such different teams, his validation just increased.

Those years of loyalty amply rewarded by the Duke program of the past 32-33 years...

Now back to our regularly scheduled Stanley Cup thread....