Capitals continue to show how to become fans darling
If any sports team needs a blueprint for reviving a franchise, look no further than the Washington Capitals.
First, the Capitals saved what figured to be another lost season by gathering themselves after the new year and playing solid hockey and then made a made dash to the finish line by winning 11 of 12 to capture the Southeast Division. However, as they say on the late-night infomercials, "But there's more ...!"
Last night's 4-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers that tied the first-round playoff series at 3-3 and forced a Game 7 tonight in Washington came after the Caps had clawed back from a 3-1 hole in the series and rallied last night to overcome a 2-0 Flyer lead.
Washington's Alex Ovechkin, who scored the game-winner in Game 1, accounted for the go-ahead goal again last night and followed that with an insurance score. The first one broke a 2-2 tie when Ovechkin capitalized on a Flyer mistake on a breakaway and the second was on a no-see-'em slapshot from the left point.
Omen: Twenty years ago, Washington won a Game 7 series against the Flyers.
Comments
I'm dating myself, but my wife and I were at that Caps-Flyers game 20 years ago -- we had season tickets back then. Dale Hunter, of all people, scored the overtime winner and celebrated by jumping into the glass -- the guy just wasn't happy unless he was hitting something.
It was a shockingly great moment for a team, and a fan base, that had experienced so much heartbreak and disappointment in the early years. That victory, coming when it did in franchise history, probably remains the Capitals' great playoff moment. It'll be fun to see if this year's team can stick it to the Flyers one more time tonight. ---------------------------------------- Joe, They're already lining up to jump off the Walt Whitman up there. -- Bill O.
Posted by: Joe Dalhart | April 22, 2008 12:03 PM
This series has galvanized the Capitals fanbase. I don't quite know what's responsible ? It could be that every other Washington pro sports franchise continues to frustrate, or it could be the unexpected super-stardom of Alex Ovechkin. There are new fans, which is always a plus, but arguably more energy for the Caps than I've ever seen. I was at Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals at MCI Center back in 1998, and I don't remember this kind of spirit.
I'll be in the stands again for Game 7 tonight, cheering on the Caps, frowning at the uncouth mouth-breathers who yell "OOOOOHH" during the National Anthem, and hoping, praying... that these Caps can pull off yet another miracle.
Posted by: Victor Lynn | April 22, 2008 12:39 PM
My father was a goalie at Forest Park HS back in like 50-51, so I was brought up with the sport. One of the main reasons in buying the 58" HDTV was for hockey. Hopefully the Caps can win tonight; if not, the future still looks very bright.
Posted by: Tom in FL | April 22, 2008 2:12 PM