CAPS! CAPS! CAPS! Road to the Stanley Cup!

"They" say that Washington is too transient for die hard fans of their sports teams, and I vehemently disagree with that statement. Between the Redskins (NFL), Nationals (MLB) and Capitals (NHL), I'd say there are rabid fans amongst those said tribes. Of course, the excitement this week goes to the Washington Capitals as they attempt to capture the Eastern Conference Championship, a feat that has not happened in 20 years! Say it ain't so, and hard to believe it's been 20 years since they made it past the second round of Stanley Cup playoffs. B-E-A-T Tampa Bay!!!

I've been a big fan of hockey my whole life, starting when my father took me to Cleveland Baron games in the 1970's. And then, never missing a hockey game while attending Bowling Green State University in the early 1980's where they won the National Championship in 1984. So it was a natural fit for me (and entire family) to become a Washington Capital's fan upon moving to the area in 1996 (and great that my husband worked for the organization then to boot, or should I say, skate?).

I'd like to dedicate this post to all the fans who have supported this team, warts and all, for the past 20 years. That means attending games, gulping pride when they never made it out of the second round but still cheering them on anyway, and intensely watching the games on TV (which may have included screaming at that said TV). Believe me, there is nothing quite like playoff hockey. It's fast as lightning, the ice is slicker than a jar of eels, and the teams play at a whole "new level." Let's also include that the hitting is harder than regular season play, plus the crazy passion that oozes out of each and every player on the ice at any given time. I highly recommend tuning into the games this week, fan or not, because you will be amazed at the intensity and spirit of Stanley Cup playoff ice hockey! And just maybe, you may become of fan of the game too!

BSoleille! The bright side of Washington Capital's hockey!

Terri

Big Fan Ryan with TJ Oshie

My favs: Vrana; Orlov and Kuznetsov and me

CAPS! CAPS! CAPS!