Game five should have shut the door on the guys in white, sending them packing back to Canada. Instead, the door was left more than ajar as the Montreal Canadiens burst through on Friday, April 23 with a 2-1 win. Ovechkin and his team could have faired far worse than a one goal deficit. Capitals coach Boudreau remarked on the “five or six passengers” along for the ride rather than showing up to play.

Unfortunately, the game that should have ended the season for the Canadiens, opened a Pandora’s Box of problems for Washington. Montreal coach Jacques Martin had the chance to reorganize himself and make significant changes that would prove fatal for the Caps. He benched goaltender Carey Price and instead put Jaroslav Halak between the pipes. Check and mate.

Unleashing the fury in game six at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Washington still came up short 4-1. Washington had the power, the speed, and persistence. What they lacked was luck, something the Habs had laced their skates with, considering Washington lead in every aspect of the game— except turning on that elusive red light. Halak was a bloodhound, sniffing out and dogging down pucks no goalie in his right mind should be able to save. He caught, he poke-checked, he butterflied, he challenged, forcing a game seven from the Washington Capitals.

Although D.C. mourns the death of yet another chance to proceed toward a trophy, all is not lost. From the ashes springs new life and conviction, need not want, and lessons learned the hard way. Hit them where it hurts. When they’re down make sure they stay down. Don’t take anything for granted. And above all, never underestimate your opponent.