THOM LOVERRO: Caps fans certainly can get used to this

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By Thom Loverro

Dec. 2, 2008 - a day that had become a symbol of shame.

It was the last time anyone in the District had seen the Capitals lose a game at Verizon Center before Friday night's 3-0 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. And it had become the scarlet letter - "L" - for Capitals fans.

People who were in attendance for that loss - a 5-3 defeat to the Florida Panthers - were carrying the burden of witnessing it.

"I wasn't here for that loss; it's the only game I haven't been to," said season-ticket holder Matt Yarish of College Park before Friday night's game. "I loaned my tickets for a friend that night, and now I am superstitious about it. He's not getting any more tickets."

Well, now his friend is off the hook.

The impact of the scarlet "L" was diminished by Friday's loss. It was a letdown for the Capitals, who had never lost to the Blue Jackets in three games at Verizon Center but had been blanked by goaltender Steve Mason 3-0 in their Nov. 29 matchup in Ohio. Mason stopped 45 shots in Friday's night's shutout.

Jason Poodiak of Northern Virginia had the misfortune of attending the Florida loss.

"It was very disappointing," he said. "I am a season-ticket holder with a few other co-workers, and now I am known as the guy who was here when we lost. It's very demoralizing."

Poor Jason. Now he will be known as the guy who was there when they lost twice. He may wind up being expelled from the group, for perfectly valid superstitious reasons, of course.

Capitals fans can live with the shame of watching their team lose at home twice every 21 games or so - an 18-2-1 record so far, with their loss Friday night before a seventh straight sellout crowd.