The Capitals have no pressure on them. None whatsoever. Unless, of course, you factor in last year’s playoffs, in which they pulled a first-round clunker. Or the previous year, when they lost to Pittsburgh in seven games in the second round. Or the fact that the Capitals have won one playoff series out of six since losing in the Stanley Cup Finals in 1998.
Nope, no pressure.
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Ah, but this goes beyond the Capitals. This is about a sports town with a sad-sack recent past. And when it comes to the Big Four sports, the Capitals are the only ones who offer legitimate hope for a title anytime soon.
So a long postseason run would be, let’s say, appreciated. Because when it comes to misery, these D.C. sports teams have one another for company.
Redskins » Since 1992, the Redskins have won two — two! — playoff games. But at least they can still poke fun at the Bengals, who have appeared in only two playoff games in that time. Like that will make the locals feel better. They’ve had six winning seasons since their last Super Bowl triumph. If the lockout ends, this will be a bittersweet 20th anniversary season of that last championship. Yes, 20 years. Now stop banging your head.
Wizards » They used to love regaling the locals with talk of their 27-17 record at the All-Star break in 2007; that was celebrated as if a banner had been hung. But there’s a reason for that. There’s little else to pop the Korbel over. Since losing in the NBA Finals in 1979, the Wizards have won two playoff series. Let that swirl around in your head for a minute. No, it doesn’t appear they’ll be adding to that total anytime soon.
Nationals » Playoffs? Fans would be happy with a .500 record. This was a mess of a franchise before it landed in Washington, and it took a while to turn it in a positive direction. Maybe the future looks better, but the past is ugly. They’ve averaged 95.6 losses in the past five years and have finished last five of their six years in Washington. Rock on.
