Because It’s The Cup

The Washington Capitals, born 44 years ago, were unrelentingly miserable for their first five seasons.

Now they’re all grown up … almost.

Forty-four long years, and before this one just a brief appearance 20 years ago in the Stanley Cup final, where they were swept by the Detroit Red Wings.

Now they’re on the cusp of the Cup.

The Caps jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period Monday night at home en route to a 6-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. The victory put the Caps ahead 3-1 in this series. While we will keep the champagne corked until the series is decided on the ice, know this: No team has come from down 3-1 in the final to win it since 1942, and the team holding a 3-1 edge in the final has won it 31 straight times.

There’s this lingering myth that Washington isn’t a sports town, just a Redskins town. It has been wrong for a long time. Once the Capitals and NBA Wizards moved to a downtown arena, the city coalesced around them. The return of baseball in the form of the Washington Nationals – after two versions of the Washington Senators had departed – sealed the deal. It’s a sports town. Crowds around Capital One Arena on Monday night showed the passion that “Rock The Red” has ignited.

The series moves back to Las Vegas for Game 5 on Thursday night, where the Knights won the first game. They’re too good to not answer the bell, but they’re an expansion team. Their future, as they say, is ahead of them.

The Capitals have waited long enough. This is their time.

 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman