Joe Pelletier at Greatest Hockey Legends is up to #3 in his 20 Greatest Photos In Hockey History series. While some might debate the rankings, the photos are undoubtedly are terrific representations of the sport we love and its incredible history. Check them out here, and be sure to scroll down for the whole list (note #19 features a newly-minted Washington Capital).
In the spirit of Joe’s idea, I’d posit that this photo — while nowhere near the grand scope of the photos in Joe’s history-spanning effort — is a great photo in the Washington Capitals’ history. The joyous celebration capping the team’s incredible run to the playoffs last season . . . Alex Ovechkin realizing he’s about to get his first taste of the NHL postseason . . . and a hungry, high-energy team rallying around its leader. It’s a recent photo of recent history, but hopefully this moment will one day be considered the genesis of the team’s journey to the Cup.
The Playoffs, At Last (photo courtesy of the Washington Capitals)
The Washington Capitals will face the Chicago Blackhawks in their home opener at 7 p.m. on Oct. 11 at Verizon Center, one day after opening the season at Atlanta, the NHL announced today. The league also announced the Capitals will play two games each against Western Conference opponents Columbus, Los Angeles and Nashville during the season.
The three finalists for the 2008 Calder Trophy should be on the ice for the matchup and the goaltending pairings could provide some interesting storylines as well. Chicago’s Patrick Kane edged Washington’s Nicklas Backstrom last year for rookie of the year honors, as Kane’s teammate Jonathan Toews finished third.
