The 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons were, in many ways, pretty bleak for everyone associated with the Washington Capitals, from the owner on down to the fans and everyone in between. Not “2004 through 2007” bleak, and certainly not “1974 through Langway’s arrival” bleak, but bleak nonetheless.
Perhaps it’s strange to consider the first of those seasons to be disappointing - after all, it resulted in a(nother) Southeast Division title (and the best record in the East), a relatively easy first round win over the Rangers, and the typical “Rock The Red” Era second-round flame-out. But on the heels of 2009-10’s Presidents’ Trophy dominance and ensuing first-round Halak-ing, it was clear that the team’s trajectory had changed.