The road to the Stanley Cup finals is long, difficult and emotionally wrenching, full of revision and personnel attrition, burdened by doubt. Just look at the Alex Ovechkin-era Washington Capitals. Or, if you can marry good fortune with good planning, the road can be short and thrilling and blessed with newborn charm. They represent two of the most interesting stories in sports: perseverance and precociousness. [Brooks Orpik is only Capitals’ player with Stanley Cup experience: ‘He’s a big role model’]To have both tales tussling on the same stage provides the intrigue of this series.

Source: Washington Post May 26, 2018 20:18 UTC