The Capitals face the Lightning on Wednesday night. For our new feature, Fresh Takes, Travis Thomas explains why he's not concerned about if the Caps take this one or not.
For years I had to listen to Penguins fans tell me that the Capitals would never beat Pittsburgh in the playoffs when it counted most.
There was nothing more I wanted in the world than to shut those fans up. But time after time, it happened and they ended up being right. I find myself in the same position now as a Caps fan when it pertains to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
I get it, they are leading the league in points by a country mile. They have already wrapped up the President 's Trophy. Nikita Kucherov could literally stop playing right now and still win the Hart Trophy.
Last weekend, the Lightning outclassed the Caps 6-3 in an impressive win. Despite all of this, I still believe the Lightning will crumble when it matters most because that’s what they always do.
Or at least in important recent Caps history they have.
Let’s remember: The Lightning were the top dogs in the East last season as well and the Capitals beat them in an electrifying seven-game series.
I’ll never forget the dominance on display in Tampa for Game Seven where Washington skunked them 4-0.
So go ahead Tampa, maybe you win again tonight. Heck, maybe you win in Tampa next weekend against the Caps as well.
Just remember, when it counts, that’s when Champions always rise up. We’ll see you in May again, I’m sure of it.
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