Playoff disappointments make Cup parade sweeter for Capitals
WASHINGTON — Nine early playoff exits paved the way for the Capitals’ unexpected Stanley Cup run and made the trip down Constitution Avenue all the more satisfying to the NHL champions and their fans.
Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom rode the final bus down the mile-long parade route, lifting the Cup to roaring cheers and waving to seas of red in the crowd.
Five days after capturing the franchise’s first title and the first of any kind by a Washington team in the major four professional sports since 1992, this was their day to soak in winning following so much disappointment.
“Because we waited so long, I think it feels even better,” Backstrom said.