2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Washington Capitals defeat the New York Islanders (and Jaroslav Halak)
After a down year in 2013-14 where the Washington Capitals missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since the 2006-2007 season, the Caps made their return to the postseason in 2015. From an outside perspective, there were several themes heading into the series between two long-time foes, including decades-old memories of playoff series past, or that two closely matched divisional rivals would be taking each other on in what was sure to be an eventful series.
But if you were a Capitals fan, there were two things on your mind.
“Please don’t let it get to game seven.”
“Halak.”
In a back and forth series that had its appropriate share of chippy moments just as in years past, the Washington Capitals found themselves once again in a do-or-die game seven. And it just so happened that both of those scary themes in the heads of Capitals fans everywhere suddenly came to a head.
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With the end of the game nearing, our fingernails become shorter and shorter. Of course game seven would be tied 1-1 with just under ten minutes remaining in the third period. The hockey gods would have it no other way.
Evgeny Kuznetsov would continue his emergence as a young star by scoring the go ahead, and eventually game-winning, goal against the Capitals mortal enemy Halak. They had effectively overcome two overbearing narratives that were beaten into the ground heading into the series. But, what did Barry Trotz think of those same themes?
This is a new group,” said Capitals coach Barry Trotz, via Puck Daddy. “All that old stuff? Get rid of it. Let’s build something. We could feel the energy [from the fans]. We weren’t going to let that game go.”
Hint: He is exactly right.
Next: Another Blown Opportunity