#2 Making it to the 1998 Stanley Cup Finals
In 1998 the Washington Capitals finally made a deep postseason run. Although that run ended at the hands of a Detroit Red Wings team in the midst of a dynasty, it was an unprecedented spring in D.C. In a thrilling series with the Buffalo Sabres (yes believe it or not they were actually pretty decent back then), Joe Juneau would come through in overtime of Game 6 to send the Caps to the Finals.
The first period was scoreless. The Sabres went up in the second period on a goal from Michael Peca before Esa Tikkanen tied it 22 seconds later. The Sabres retook the lead in the third period with a goal from Paul Kruse. Peter Bondra tied it on the power play.
In overtime Adam Oates forced a turnover. Juneau would get the puck and pass it to Brian Bellows. After Bellows missed, Juneau was there to bang in the rebound and quiet the crowd in Buffalo.
There was a lot to be excited about surrounding the Capitals back then. They had not only opened a new arena that season but helped inspire a future generation to win like we’re seeing now. We just need another Cup.