The Capitals’ Cup full of dreams

Younger members of the Caps pointed to the 1994 Finals, one of the seminal moments in recent NHL history. While a couple of the Americans have fond memories of Mark Messier lifting the Cup to punctuate the New York Rangers’ first title in 54 years, British Columbia native Karl Alzner had a different reaction.

“I was watching at my aunt’s house,” Alzner said. “I remember Pavel Bure took the last faceoff because he was going to try to push it [on net]. We sat there through the whole ceremony. It was pretty depressing at the time.”

The Caps have been close once before, but the trip to the 1998 Finals was a surprise run. A few months from now, Alex Ovechkin and friends will be one of the teams expected to make a deep postseason run.

There’s a chance those dreams will be realized - and all those nights staring at posters on their bedroom walls will be the first step in a memorable journey.

“Time will tell, but we are legit,” Morrison said. “We have as good a chance as anybody, I believe.”

Added Laich: “I’d take it to Wawota, [Saskatchewan], my hometown, and have a big gathering at the rink where everyone can come and see it. There would be people driving from miles around to come and get their picture taken with it. I’m sure it would culminate with some sort of ball hockey game with my buddies where we could actually award the Stanley Cup at the end.”