With due respect to Charles Dickens (and Paris and London), Washington, D.C., in 2010 was the site of a modern day tale of two cities — or, more precisely, a tale of one city characterized by opposing themes: the hope of promise and the despair of it going unfulfilled. With that, we bring you the year that was in Washington sports. Be warned: It isn’t pretty.
Capitals
It was the best of times » Bruce Boudreau‘s offensive juggernaut wins the Eastern Conference by 18 points. Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom combine for 83 goals and 127 assists.
It was the worst of times » The Capitals choke away a 3-1 series lead in the first round of the playoffs against the Canadiens. Montreal goalie Jaroslav Halak saves 131 of 134 shots in Games 5, 6 and 7.
Silver lining » The Caps have the second-most points in the East. They also were featured on a HBO special leading up to the Winter Classic, allowing Boudreau to showcase his, uh, vocabulary.
Nationals
It was the best of times » Ageless wonder Livan Hernandez wins four of his first five starts, helping the Nats jump out to a 20-15 start. A month later, rookie phenom Stephen Strasburg strikes out 14 in his major league debut.
It was the worst of times » In August, Strasburg undergoes Tommy John surgery. The Nats finish 69-93, allow slugging first baseman Adam Dunn to walk away and then sign one-time All-Star Jayson Werth to a nine-figure contract.
Silver lining » Strasburg has all the makings of an ace, and Bryce Harper has all the makings of a superstar. Too bad neither will play in the District until at least August.
Redskins
It was the best of times » Owner Dan Snyder hires two-time Super Bowl champion Mike Shanahan and executes a trade for six-time Pro Bowl quarterback Donovan McNabb. More importantly, Snyder turns over day-to-day operations of the franchise to Shanahan and GM Bruce Allen.
It was the worst of times » McNabb struggles mightily with his, um, cardiovascular endurance, prompting Shanahan to pull him in a Week 8 loss at Detroit. McNabb is reinstated after Washington’s bye week and then earns a second benching. His tenure with the franchise likely is over.
Silver lining » None. Seriously, we looked everywhere.
Wizards
It was the best of times » Gilbert Arenas, returning from his 400th knee injury, makes an early push for comeback player of the year, averaging 22.6 points through the first 32 games of the 2009-10 season.
It was the worst of times » Arenas celebrates his return to health (and basketball) by instructing teammate Javaris Crittenton to “pick one,” leading to a season-long suspension and 30 days in a halfway house.
Silver lining » With the first pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards select John Wall … and his bruised kneecap.
