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This day last year, the Washington Capitals shocked the hockey world
Photo credit: NHL
Seven years ago capped the Washington Capitals' first championship in its history, and a memorable run to the finals that, as a fan of the team, you will probably never forget.
We watched as Ovechkin, Backstrum and the rest of the boys overcame a 2-0 deficit to the Columbus Blue Jackets, before 'exorcising their demons', as John Walton had put it, with the game 6 overtime winner from Evgeny Kuznetsov to beat the Penguins.
Then a game 7 masterpiece versus Tampa Bay in the Eastern Conference Finals, to reach the Stanley Cup Finals for only the second time in Washington franchise history.
Following a hard-fought 6-4 loss in game 1 to Vegas, Washington regained their composure and outscored the opposition 16-8 in four-straight wins to capture their first championship in their then 44-year history.
Looking back, Matthew Miguez of Stars & Stripes says, it wasn't the highlight reel goals, or 'The Save' from Braden Holtby that stands out most from that win, but the camaraderie and togetherness that made it special.
It's the reason John Walton started the movement - It's ok to believe.
Now that TJ Oshie will be making an announcement at the fountains at Georgetown, where the Caps partied with the Cup, brings back a rush of happiness...and sorrow.
Happiness for the memories of Ovi doing keg-stands with the Cup and swimming in the fountain.
Sorrow when you think of Oshie and Backstrum fighting injury the last few seasons, and what the 2025 playoff run could run could have been if they were healthy and in the lineup.
Who knows what might have been.
"As the puck drops, the words that Washington fans have been waiting to hear since 1974." John Walton said. "The Washington Capitals are the 2018 Stanley Cup Champions."
To only hear those words repeated once more.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 7 | 27 ANSWERS This day last year, the Washington Capitals shocked the hockey world Should Washington Capitals front office go all-in this offseason to win the Stanley Cup in 2025-26? | ||
| Yes | 20 | 74.1 % |
| No | 7 | 25.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
