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1998 STANLEY CUP FINALS
Caps Triumph Over Letdowns of Past

Post File Photo

For the 24 years of their existence, the Capitals have been a franchise that has regularly broken the hearts of its fans. But it seems the hockey gods have begun to look favorably upon the Capitals, and for the first time, they have a chance to win the Stanley Cup.

Past Capitals Playoff Recaps 1996 | 1995 | 1987 | 1994 | 1988 | 1992 | 1993 | 1990

1990 PLAYOFFS
After 16 Years, Caps Earn Respect

Caps' Dreams Take Flight
For seven agonizing seasons prior to 1990, the Caps had failed to win two playoff series and advance out of their Patrick Division. Two thrilling overtime wins over the New York Rangers allowed the Caps to break the streak, thanks mostly to the surprising play of John Druce, who made hockey history with 12 playoff goals.

Bruins Sweep Caps
The Boston Bruins showed their experience in sweeping the Caps and moving on to the Stanley Cup finals for the second time in three years. "One big roller-coaster ride, but it's been the most successful season," Capitals defenseman Scott Stevens said.

THOMAS BOSWELL: Despite Sweep, Some Admiration

1996: CAPITALS vs. PENGUINS
On and On It Went, but the End Came Too Soon

John McDonnell/Post File Photo

It happened once before, in 1987 — a memorable four-overtime game that many fans thought was a once-in-
a-lifetime event. It wasn't. On April 24-25, 1996, the Caps went four overtimes again. Finally, at 2:22 a.m., Petr Nedved of the Penguins ended the third-longest game, giving Pittsburgh a 3-2 win and Caps fans a new nightmare.

1995: CAPITALS vs. PENGUINS
Ending With a Whimper
It was a record the Caps could have done without: thirteen times in NHL history, teams had blown 3-1 series leads. After a 3-0 loss in Game 7 in 1995, the Caps became the first club to blow the advantage three times. Pittsburgh goaltender Ken Wregget, who struggled for much of the series, made 31 saves to earn the shutout.

PERSPECTIVE
A Gag Heard Before
While the Capitals' 1996 playoff collapse against the Pittsburgh Penguins did not rank with some of Washington's renowned playoff implosions, The Post's Tony Kornheiser wrote that, collectively, the Caps found themselves issuing another gag order.

1987: CAPITALS vs. ISLANDERS
After Four Overtimes, Caps Are Left Wanting

In the opening round of the 1987 playoffs, the Capitals built a 3-1 series lead over the New York Islanders, only to see the Islanders come back and force a Game 7. The epic finale would go four overtimes before Pat LaFontaine's goal gave the Islanders a 3-2 victory in what was — at the time — the fifth-longest game in NHL history. There were 68 minutes 47 seconds of overtime play.

THOMAS BOSWELL: Suspense, Then Inevitability

1994: CAPITALS vs. PENGUINS
Finally, Ghosts of Caps' Playoff Past Put to Rest

File Photo

The Capitals sought a change 47 games into the 1994 season, replacing Coach Terry Murray with Jim Schoenfeld (pictured). The Caps also added Joe Juneau, who had three goals and four assists in the series as the Caps advanced to the second round with a 4-2 series win over Pittsburgh. Washington built a 3-1 series lead, but this time, rode counter to its playoff past and held it.

MICHAEL WILBON: A 'Special Night'

1988: CAPITALS vs. FLYERS
Hunter's Goal Helps Spur Caps Into Second Round

File Photo

Post columnist Tony Kornheiser has not hesitated to criticize the playoff failures of the Capitals over the years, but in 1988, he praised their comeback against Philadelphia. The Caps survived to become just the fifth NHL team to win a seven-game playoff series after trailing three games to one. Dale Hunter (pictured, left) assisted on the first goal before scoring the game-winning goal in overtime.

Hunter's Second-Period Assist Was Crucial

1992: CAPITALS vs. PENGUINS
Season Crashes to End
One year after falling to Pittsburgh in five games, the Capitals built a 3-1 series lead over the Penguins in the first round. But, with Mario Lemieux leading the way, the Penguins fought back to take the series in seven games.

WILBON: The Better Team Won

1993: CAPITALS vs. ISLANDERS
A Disgraceful Ending
With the Caps on the verge of being knocked out in the first round for the second straight year, Dale Hunter gave the franchise a black eye by providing one of the cheapest shots ever when he plowed into Pierre Turgeon.

KORNHEISER: What Counts

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