It looks like the mind games and superstitions have already begun for this year’s Stanley Cup. The teams are giving it all ahead of the playoffs as the battle intensifies. Moreover, all the attention lately has been on the Washington Capitals, whose star player, Alex Ovechkin, made history by overtaking Wayne Gretzky for the most goals scored in the NHL. Even as the celebrations continue for the 39-year-old, the Capitals surrendered a major honor that could prove to be a blessing in disguise for the Stanley Cup.
Ahead of the playoffs, the team atop the NHL standings receives the Presidents’ Trophy. Both the Capitals and the Jets were vying for the prestigious honor. In the end, it was the Jets who lifted the trophy. However, there is an evil superstition associated with it, which might come in handy for the Capitals.
It is said that the teams winning the Presidents’ Trophy have had to throw away the chance of winning the Stanley Cup. Notably, just 1 of the last 16 winners has gone on to win the Stanley Cup that season, and that was the short-season 2012-13 Chicago Blackhawks. No other team in the last 16 years has won both the Presidents’ Trophy and the Stanley Cup. As a result, the Capitals would hope that this proves to be true yet again and they can lift the Stanley Cup this year.
Good news for Washington is they will not be winning the Presidents’ Trophy. Just 1 of last 16 winners have gone on to win the Stanley Cup that season, and that was the short-season 2012-13 Chicago Blackhawks.
— Ted Starkey (@TedStarkey) April 14, 2025
Yesterday, the Capitals went down fighting against the Blue Jackets 4-1 to hand the Presidents’ Trophy to the Jets. Interestingly, the latter also suffered a defeat by the same margin against the Oilers but managed to finish at the top of the NHL standings after the Capitals’ loss to the Blue Jackets.
Meanwhile, the Capitals forward, Tom Wilson, sounded cautious ahead of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Amid a poor run of form, the Capitals need to get their act right ahead of the next round.
No margin for error for Washington Capitals
The Capitals suffered back-to-back defeats after the loss against the Blue Jackets, having recently suffered a heavy loss against the same opponents, 7-0. It was the first time in recent times that the Capitals had suffered back-to-back losses. Amid a loss of momentum, star forward Tom Wilson had a piece of advice for his team.
In the post-game interview, he said, “I think tonight was a little bit better. The compete was there. A couple of mistakes that just end up in the back of our net. At this time of year, it’s such a thin line as to winning and losing. We’ve just got to learn from this and know that down the stretch in the playoffs, it’s going to be those little things going our way that are going to be the important part.”
With just a couple of games left for the Capitals before the playoffs, the likes of Alex Ovechkin and co. would look to get back to winning ways and carry the momentum into the next round. Dubbed the favorites to win the Stanley Cup this year, the onus lies on them to make a strong comeback after some disappointing results.
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