At the start of the season, The Athletic released contention cycles for each team in the NHL. Dom Luszczyszyn and Scott Wheeler concluded in October that the Washington Capitals were one of, if not the furthest team from a Stanley Cup. Luszczyszyn defended the ranking saying that “not sure how [Caps fans] can possibly be mad at this unless the “d” in “D.C.” stands for “delusional.”
But isn’t being delusional part of being a fan? Merriam-Webster defines a “fan” as “an enthusiastic devotee (as of a sport or a performing art) usually as a spectator.” Aren’t fans supposed to be enthusiastic about their favorite team? Isn’t it ok to believe that the team will be good?
In the six months since the article was published, the Capitals have clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference and are battling for the Presidents Trophy. Additionally, Wheeler ranked the Caps as having the No. 9 prospect pool going into February.
In 2018, the Capitals weren’t expected to be good, either. It was said that their window had closed after three straight second round exits, two of which were to the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins. Still, they won the division, and went on to win the Stanley Cup. The devoted fans got their long awaited party.
That year, Caps fans had to be reminded by radio play-by-play broadcaster John Walton that yes, it’s “Ok to believe. So why can’t fans believe again? In fact, Walton is already laying the groundwork.
Never too early to believe! https://t.co/LJOvsPTDaY
— John Walton (@JohnWaltonPxP) February 23, 2025
When the Caps won the Stanley Cup, the devotion showed. Fans filled the arena to watch away games, they filled the streets to watch on giant screens. On June 7, they partied. A few days later, they took over the National Mall to show their devotion. If jumping in fountains and drinking beer through a shirt isn’t going all out, then what is?
While there are still four hard playoff rounds to come before fountains are put on high alert, why can’t the fans allow themselves to believe the Caps are closer than they appeared to a Stanley Cup? The team trusts all four lines, all six defenseman and both goalies. Not to mention, top-prospect Ryan Leonard is expected to join the team before the playoffs. Despite that, the Caps will still not be a favorite to win the Stanley Cup, or even come out of the Eastern Conference.
This team is fun and having an incredible season. No matter what happens, the 50th anniversary season for Washington has been one to remember. It might be delusional to think there are still special moments to come for this team. But if it wasn’t, then there would be no reason to watch.
