From Doormats to Contenders…to Division Champions

Well, now that the regular season is officially over and done with, I feel I can safely make a confession. And that’s this: I wasn’t sure the Caps could complete their miracle in-season turnaround. Since the NHL expanded to 30 teams, no team has ever gone from that far down the standings to even get INTO the playoffs. And never MIND winning their division outright.

When Bruce Boudreau was brought in on Thanksgiving, I think most of us would have settled for respectability over the balance of the season. I still believed that the team could make it into the playoffs, and maybe even win their first-round matchup.

But a division championship? Not even I saw that one coming when Bruce got hired. Respectability, absolutely; playoffs, probably. But come on–we were 14 points behind the Hurricanes at that point. Any playoff berth is a good one: just ask the 2006 Oilers. So 7th seed, 8th seed? Fine by me, as long as we’re in the postseason.

But “Southeast Division Champion Washington Capitals”? On Thanksgiving, that was a punchline. On New Year’s Day, it was a pipe dream. Tonight, it is our prize. Don’t Stop Believin’, indeed.

Lake Placid this wasn’t–let’s put that comparison to bed before anyone tries to go there. This was just an uplifting conclusion to an inspirational run. Where this team goes from here is anyone’s guess.

Tonight, we celebrate. Tomorrow, our journey begins anew. This is the playoffs. This is what it’s all about.

CAPITAL SPIRIT
DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’