Washington Capitals to raise banner against Boston
By Ron Juckett
The Washington Capitals will not get their Stanley Cup rings against the Pittsburgh Penguins. It is Boston and you will not care come October.
The Washington Capitals will raise their Stanley Cup Championship banner on Wednesday, October 3rd at Capital One Arena against the Boston Bruins.
Alex Ovechkin and company will get their rings in front of a sure sellout and a national television audience on NBC Sports Network. An evening none of you will ever forget.
If you are wondering why the Caps are not hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins, the NHL announced Washington will play foil to the Pens for home opener on Thursday, October 4. Pace yourselves accordingly.
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Last season, Washington swept their three games with Boston by a combined score of 12-8. The Bruins lone visit came shortly after Christmas which the Caps won 4-3 on the dreaded shootout.
Pittsburgh and Washington split their four regular-season meetings. Both took a game at each other’s home rink. During their seemingly annual playoff battle, Washington knocked down a few inner demons dismissing the Penguins in six in the Eastern Conference Semi-finals.
The rest of the regular season schedule gets announced Thursday. Remember, teams in the Metropolitan Division play each other four times. The Caps play three against every Atlantic Division team, including the Bruins, and two versus the Western Conference. One home and away.
Although the preference was to open against Pittsburgh at home. You know, vanquished rivals, championship banners and shiny bling, the NHL’s logic is understandable. For those of you who waited your entire lives, you will remember this night a lifetime. The Caps could eat yogurt and shoot hoops with the Wizards and emotions will flow.
You can argue Philadelphia, Columbus or the New York Rangers make more sense, but Boston is a good foil. Besides, Washington has the chance to spoil Pittsburgh’s Opening Night party. Another good time should be had by all.
All those feelings of joy and pure emotion you felt when the Caps won the Cup in Vegas and during the parade will flood back one more time. It is the best feeling. And, there is a meaningful game afterword. You cannot do any better than that.
Yes, there are uncertainties to come this summer with not every player getting their ring on the same night. It goes with the territory. But, now you know when the Washington Capitals will share their joy with you again. That is a good thing.