Sports in D.C.: The Washington Capitals, Start of the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs

A while ago, we blogged about the Washington Capitals winning the 2018 Stanley Cup.  We attended the Caps' first playoff game here in D.C. but failed to blog about the experience.  Here is the post. 

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The 10 Year Plan has allowed us to enjoy a lot of sporting events.  One of our favorite sports is professional ice hockey.  Greg grew up in the Midwest where hockey is big.  Greg played hockey in Winter on backyard ice rinks and in Summer on the street.  Greg also saw the Toledo Blades, Detroit Red Wings and Cleveland Crusaders play.  Greg even had a job during high school, filming his school's team for the coaches to review afterward.

  

Susan's love of hockey is harder to explain.  Being the daughter and sister of dentists, perhaps she likes the fact that hockey players have such nice teeth.  They might be fake but they look good!

While living in NYC during Year 1, we enjoyed seeing the Islanders and the Rangers play.  Greg was even lucky enough to see the Rangers' first home playoff game.  The experience was incredible, from the amazing pregame show, great hockey on the ice, devoted fans cheering and yelling insults at the visiting team and listening to a Billy Joel tribute band during the breaks between periods.  

Since arriving in D.C. for Year 3, we have seen a few Capitals' games, including their first playoff game.  The Caps lost that game to the Columbus Bluejackets in overtime (4-3).  Despite the loss, attending a playoff game was a great thrill.  You can share some of the experience yourself in the photos and video clips below.  Enjoy.           

Arriving at Capital One Arena

A view of the ice 

Alex Ovechkin #8 during the warm up

All fans received a light stick, with a glowing red light.

When the overhead lights went out before the game, the sea of flashing red lights was amazing.  Click on the boxes below to see for yourself.
   

In addition, shortly before the introductions of the Caps, images were projected on the ice.  Very cool.  

Although the Capitals lost the first playoff (at home) and the second playoff game (also at home), they started winning on the road, defeating the Blue Jackets (4-2), then the Penguins (4-2), then the Lightning (4-3), and finally the amazing first year team, the Las Vegas Golden Knights (4-1).  

Year 2 has been been a great year to be in D.C. to enjoy hockey.  (Not so much for the NBA Wizards and the NFL Redskins.) \