The long wait is finally over for the Capitals.
The team that left the Verizon Center ice April 22 despondent after a 3-2 overtime loss to Philadelphia in Game 7 of a Stanley Cup first-round playoff series begins a new quest tonight with its NHL season-opener at Atlanta.
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But no matter what happens over this first weekend — the Caps return to the District on Saturday night against Chicago and play Vancouver at home Monday — no team better understands that a quick start guarantees nothing. The Caps won their first three games last season before a 3-15 skid led to coach Glen Hanlon’s dismissal.
Bruce Boudreau replaced Hanlon. The Caps, led by NHL MVP Alex Ovechkin eventually recovered and have been tabbed by many NHL experts to repeat their Southeast Division title.
“It’s certainly nice recognition of our club and the efforts we’ve made,” said Caps general manager George McPhee. “But it doesn’t mean anything unless we go out there and win games.”