Thank you Washington Capitals

Well, there is no use in doing a game review now, you have seen it, or you can go seem it at any sports site you want. Fact is fact, the Capitals lost a heart breaking 7th game at the Verizon Center in over time, sending themselves home to watch the rest of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
We can sit and argue over the second Flyers goal, the NHL has responded with the text of Rule 69, so be it. We can sit and argue over the penalty call on Tom Poti in overtime, but geesh, we got a way with one on Jon Erskine and Poti’s was just as blatant. Refereeing did not cost the Capitals this game, the fact is, it was a Game Seven between two teams that are closely aligned talent wise, a high intense game with everything on the line, and essentially one team had to win, period. It happened to be the wrong team, but such is life.
Great game, great series against two teams on the rise and two teams that will renew old rivalries as they fight near the top of the Eastern Conference for years to come.
Beyond that, thank you to the Washington Capitals on a terrific season. Didn’t start out well, in fact, things were down right dismal, but this team fought with passion, energy, enthusiasm, and purpose to do what no other NHL team has ever done, elevated themselves from last place to the playoffs in an otherwise, remarkable and improbable playoff run. For that, we say THANK YOU. This team is young, now has playoff experience, and will come back mostly in tact, with hopefully some strong veteran additions, including the returns of Chris Clark, Michael Nylander and maybe Brian Pothier.

Even though we give a BIG thanks to the entire Washington Capitals team, there are a few special shout outs we need to make …
THANK YOU TO Coach Bruce Boudreau. Without you, the turnaround was unlikely. This team responded to you, your style, your energy, and your focus. We found your passion inspiring. We found a winner in you and we Caps fans say THANK YOU.
THANK YOU to Caps owner Ted Leonsis and GM George McPhee. Although Victor Kozlov was streaky, he was also a big part of the late success. Tom Poti made a stupid penalty, but was otherwise a positive addition. The trade deadline trades were simply magnificent and brilliant. Without them, the Caps would not have had a playoff berth. It isn’t just about the money spent. It is about the plan that was developed, the patience in progress, and the steady leadership the front office provided amid a sometimes deafening cry of criticism. The perseverance to stay on course of the rebuild plan paid off and will continue to do so for years. For providing us this team, we say, THANK YOU!
THANK YOU TO ALEXANDER OVECHKIN. We thank you for a magical season. Your 65 goal effort was a total thrill to watch and elevated hockey in Washington higher than in many recent years. You elevated your hitting, your defensive play, and your team effort without sacrificing your offensive prowess. Essentially, you, in our minds, elevated yourself atop all of hockey as the best player int he NHL, we have had an absolute thrill watching you. We can’t wait until October.
THANK YOU TO NICKLAS BACKSTROM. On a great rookie season and showing us the promise of Nick Backstrom has arrived. You struggled at times, as most rookie would, but you rebounded with consistency and outstanding efforts. The 4 playoff goals was incredible. We look forward to you being a Capitals for years and years to come. Yo, Mr. Backstrom, lived up to your hype!
THANK YOU TO BROOKS LAICH. On your mid to late season surge. You proved your worth, you hit hard, played great specials teams and found the net, off first lien scoring that was greatly needed. You should absolutely be a top priority for the Caps and we look forward to next season.
THANK YOU TOO MIKE GREEN. On a terrific breakout year for you. We don’t have any doubt your are likely the top priority and you should be. Your scoring prowess from the blue line is a welcome surprise and will only make this team that much better. Fact is, without your breakout season, Caps never make the playoffs, period. Ted — get it done!
THANK YOU SHAONE MORRISONN. Because without your steady defense and cover, Mike Green’s success doesn’t happen.
THANK YOU TOO CRISTOBAL HEUT. There is no doubt, at least in my mind, without the trade deadline deal that brought Huet to D, Washington Capitals would have been watching the first round from the comfort of their living rooms. His ten game winning streak and dominance int he final stretch was simply awesome. He played outstanding in the playoffs even when the defense failed to rise at times. Huet should be a critical contract extension. We want you back Cristobal!
THANK YOU OLAF KOLZIG. On a remarkable career here in DC. We don’t anticipate your return, maybe we will be surprised by what you have given Caps fans, the Washington DC community, and Washington hockey in general goes unspoken. 18 seasons with one team is unheard of anymore and you are and will always be a CAPITAL! Should you move on, you will be welcomed back to Verizon Center with open arms. Your a great goalie, a great hockey player, an even greater person, and a great Washington Capital!
A complete review with grades will be forthcoming.