The Capitals lead the Stanley Cup finals three games to one. In other cities, you maybe stock up on champagne. Lay the groundwork for a sick day at the office. Scout parking along the parade route. But this is Washington and these are the Capitals and two-game leads can feel about as comfortable as a parka in summertime.
While teams holding a 3-1 lead historically have a 32-1 advantage in the finals, including 31 straight, the Caps are a franchise that’s still haunted by playoff phantoms from years ago. There were the Islanders (1980s), the Penguins (1990s, 2000s and beyond), the Rangers and the Canadiens, too.