10 Best Games in Washington Capitals History

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Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

#1: Washington Capitals Advance To Their First Stanley Cup Final

1998 was an extremely special season for the Capitals. It saw them reach the Stanley Cup for the first time and only time in franchise history. It’s only appropriate that the Capitals’ best game in franchise history is the game that sent them there. On June 4th, 1998, the Capitals beat the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 in overtime in game six of the Eastern Conference Finals to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals. They would eventually get swept by the Detroit Red Wings, but it is without a doubt the highest point in Washington Capitals history.

Esa Tikkanen and Peter Bondra scored in regulation for the Caps while Paul Kruse and Michael Peca scored for the Buffalo Sabres. The game went to overtime. Joe Juneau would insert his name into Capitals history by scoring the game winner in overtime.

It was an incredible goalie battle between Dominik Hasek and Olaf Kolzig. Kolzig stopped 39 of 41 shots while Hasek stopped 35 of 38. The whole series was a war between the two goaltenders and the South African Kolzig won it with the help of his teammates.

Next: 30 Greatest Players In Capitals History

June 4th, 1998 was a magical game and an unforgettable one for everyone involved in it, whether they were players, fans, or coaches.