We started the day yesterday with HOPE. Hope for a GREAT Game 7 and hope for Round 2 of the playoffs. The past few seasons so much was expected of the Capitals. They were President's Cup champs, SouthEast Division Champs, etc. And they collapsed in the first round each time.
Fast forward to THIS 11-12 season....
The Capitals squeaked into the playoffs in the 7th rank and matched up to play the defending 2010-2011 Stanley Cup Champs, the Boston Bruins. To be honest, I really had no idea if they would do very well. To our surprise the team would basically come out and play so solid hockey each and every game. Then it was tied 3-3 in the series (each game only decided by ONE goal). The were IN Boston too.
Well....tied 1-1 it goes in to OT (sudden death). Who ever scores first takes it all.
Joel Ward....put one in past Tim Thomas off of a rebound from Mike Knuble....and BAM!! It's over. The Caps are in route to Round 2.
Joel Ward hugging Denis Wideman
Whole team celebrating on ice at TD Bank Garden
We were in such shock at first at my house...and we quickly remembered the kids were asleep and did silent dances of happiness.
So happy we are STILL....
Our opponent won't be determined until later tonight for Round 2...it will be one of these 3.
New York Rangers
New Jersey Devils or the
Philadelphia Flyers
Personally: I don't care who we play...I'm just so flipping excited the Capitals are in Round 2.
However before the end of the broadcast last night...Tim Thomas (goaltender for the Bruins) did something so classy.
watch the video and see for yourself....
I think that was his own kid (from what I've heard). Even if it wasn't...it was still classy.
Like many other people from this area of Arlington/WashingtonDC/NorthernVA/MD we got a wonderful gift in the skies this morning.
as it was flying past the Air Force Memorial (about to go over the Pentagon)
The space shuttle Discovery!
It was being brought home to retire in the new and comfy Udvar-Hazy/Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.
I got to see it 3 different times, myself. 2 of them VERY close up (and loud) and 1 time as it was flying from far away.
With it's fighter jet escort
It flew over near where I worked and I got this photo from a friend who's office is down the street from me.
The sight was a completely remarkable one and one that I will remember for a very long time. Knowing that I along with MANY others got to witness the space shuttle on it's last "flight" is bittersweet for sure.
It's been a while now and I still feel all giddy and excited like a little kid. People were waving, cheering, laughing, pointing, taking photos and creating their own memories together. It's amazing how something so simple can bring so many together and make many so happy all at once.
Welcome Home Space Shuttle Discovery!
Welcome home! Discovery, you are going to be so well loved here. All of us cannot wait to meet you in person.
Going over the White House
The photo above was taken by my friends' camera phone as she was in DC (at the White House) at the moment it flew over. AWESOME! Who cares how it turned out...she captured the moment! :-)
Well the 2012 NHL playoffs have arrived in usual style, with certainly a nail biting end of the regular season for it's line ups. Down to the last games played.
The Flyers/Pens series has been full of OLD TIME HOCKEY for sure. More like you have gone to a fight and a hockey game broke out. Dang. But don't for get the ever favorite douchey things that we expect from the player(s) we love to HATE. None of us are surprised at all. I laughed so hard by the end of the game with 10 players were left on one bench and 9 players on the other. Makes me wonder that if the game went on for longer....would it have eventually been just 5 on 5? Hahaha.
Not much caught my eye on the Rangers/Senators series, but I wish the best to the Rangers.
The series I've been completely interested in is the Caps/Bruins series. I really think this is going to end up being a 7 game series. Back and forth and back again. It's gonna probably give all Caps/Bruins fans heart palpitations or breathing problems (which ever strikes first). But who doesn't love GREAT hockey. It has been very nice to watch to the point where you don't dare leave your seat because you would miss something.
Let's Go Caps!!
I hope if you are a hockey fan that you at least get to watch some of this really good playoff hockey. True I have not mentioned the other matchups (I do apologize) but for some I simply cannot stay up that late. I need my sleep.
Speaking of sleep...I'm going now. Because i'm tired and the Caps just lost Game 3 :-(
Game 4 is on Thursday and I can't wait to go.
Who are you cheering for (or who are you hoping will lose, but at the same time don't want to root for the other team)?? Do tell.
