The Washington Capitals became kings of the NHL 118 days ago. The National Mall flooded with rabid, red-clad fans at the celebratory parade and rally 113 days ago.
With a summer of partying now in the rear-view mirror, the time for one more celebration has arrived: The Washington Capitals will raise their first Stanley Cup banner Wednesday night, then drop the puck on a new season.
Not much is different for the Capitals this year, apart from the head coach and the lack of a Cup on their mantle. The team’s challenge has changed from breaking Washington’s sports curse to avoiding a Stanley Cup hangover and going back-to-back.