What, exactly, is wrong? I have no idea - I'm not a coach, I'm not a GM, I'm just a guy that enjoys hockey. And I love watching the Caps play. It pains me to watch all of the high expectations and stunning upsets. I've grown accustomed to popping a Zantac before each game.
This year's exit was almost merciful. No games seven to allow my stomach acid to percolate. A quick series against New York with little to no drama, and an even quicker exit with Tampa. Once we were down three games to none, I was glad that the Caps didn't draw out their death spiral any further. I was also glad that I had an event I had to attend that prevented me from seeing the end of Game Four. It's not as painful looking up the score on my phone as it is witnessing the entire meltdown live.
I'm not here today to talk about how upset I am over the Caps lackluster postseason play. I'm here to talk about how, immediately following Game Four, I had a moment of clarity, aka, the great rationalization: The Caps are a great regular season team, and I get a good 7 months of watching them kick ass.
They didn't dominate this season like they did last year, but no bad teams are going to be the number one seed in the East, even if they don't clinch it until the last week of the regular season.
And I am holding on to this rationalization for dear life. I am just going to keep telling myself that it's been 36 years now without a Cup, and it could be quite a bit longer, so I just need to enjoy the amazing product that Leonsis and GMGM have put together for me and move on with my life. Take the enjoyment out of the game that I can and leave the rest there.
I've been a Caps fan since I started dating the woman who is now my wife. I'll always be a Caps fan, even if they're terrible. I'll look forward to watching them play and a Stanley Cup will simply be a feather in my Cap.
On a side note, I'm renewing my registration which means I get to pick out a new license plate and I'm getting the Weagle plate.
Go Caps.
